Drought Management in India | UPSC Mains Essay Preparation PDF Download

To construct an essay on Drought Management in India for the UPSC examination, it's essential to maintain a structured approach.
Here's a suggested structure, followed by the essay itself:

Essay Structure

Introduction

• Definition and Context: Define drought and its relevance in the Indian context.
• Thematic Quote or Phrase: Include a relevant quote or phrase to set the tone.
• Brief Overview: Outline the main aspects of drought management that will be discussed.

Body

• Causes of Drought in India:
  • Climate Change and Monsoon Variability.
  • Environmental Factors: Deforestation, land-use changes, etc.
  • Socio-Economic Factors: Agricultural practices, water management, etc.
• Impact of Drought:
  • On Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods.
  • Environmental Impacts: Soil degradation, water scarcity.
  • Social Impacts: Migration, poverty, health issues.
• Drought Management Strategies:
  • Historical Overview: How India’s approach has evolved.
  • Current Policies and Programs: NDRF, SDRF, NAIS, IWMP, MGNREGS, etc.
  • Community Participation and Institutional Mechanisms.
  • Case Studies: Successful examples from specific regions.
• Challenges and Opportunities:
  • Analyze the gaps in current strategies.
  • Potential for technological and policy innovations.
• The Road Ahead:
  • Integrative Approaches: Combining traditional knowledge with modern technology.
  • Policy Recommendations: Suggest improvements and future strategies.

Conclusion

• Summarization: Briefly recapitulate the key points made.
• Forward-Looking Statement: End with a positive, future-oriented statement.
• Closing Quote or Phrase: A relevant quote to leave a lasting impression.

Sample Essay

The following essay serves as a sample for the given topic. Students can add their own ideas and points as well.

"Harnessing Harmony with Nature: Navigating the Drought Terrain in India"

Introduction

The phenomenon of drought, characterized by the acute shortage of water, poses a significant challenge to India, a country where the rhythm of life is often dictated by the monsoon. Renowned environmentalist Anil Agarwal once remarked, "Drought is not just an absence of water; it is an absence of foresight and planning." This essay aims to dissect the multi-faceted aspects of drought management in India, from its causes and impacts to the strategies employed and the road ahead.

Body

1. Causes of Drought in India: Climate variability, primarily influenced by the southwest monsoon, stands as the foremost cause of drought in India. The El Niño phenomenon exacerbates this unpredictability. Concurrently, environmental degradation through deforestation and poor land-use practices diminishes the soil's water retention capability, intensifying drought conditions. These natural causes are further compounded by socio-economic factors like inadequate agricultural practices and inefficient water management.

2. Impact of Drought: The agricultural sector, the backbone of rural India, bears the brunt of droughts, leading to a cascade of repercussions. The 2002 drought, affecting 300 million people and 150 million cattle, stands as a stark reminder of this vulnerability. Environmental impacts include soil erosion and declining groundwater levels, while social ramifications encompass migration, poverty spikes, and health crises due to food and water shortages.

3. Drought Management Strategies: Historically, India's response to drought has evolved from reactive measures to a more proactive approach. The establishment of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) under the 2005 Disaster Management Act exemplifies this shift. Initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) underscore the government's commitment to long-term solutions. Successful models, such as the water conservation efforts in Rajasthan's Alwar district, highlight the potential of community participation and local governance in drought management.

4. Challenges and Opportunities: Despite these efforts, gaps remain in policy implementation, coordination between agencies, and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. The opportunity lies in leveraging technology for better forecasting, enhancing water conservation techniques, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices.

5. The Road Ahead: An integrative approach, combining the wisdom of traditional water conservation methods with innovative technologies like remote sensing for water management, is imperative. Policy recommendations include strengthening local bodies for better implementation, enhancing agricultural resilience, and promoting sustainable water usage practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, effective drought management in India requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing proactive policy measures, community involvement, and technological innovation. As we stride forward, it's crucial to remember that managing drought is not just about managing water; it's about managing life and livelihoods. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves." Let us remember and act, for a drought-free future is not just a dream but a necessity.