Overview
After the southwest monsoon ended, both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh recorded severe rainfall deficits, triggering a large‑scale drought. The shortfall has damaged major crops, forced the states to seek central assistance, and highlighted gaps in drought‑management policies.
Key Developments
- June‑September rainfall in Karnataka was ~35% below normal; 217 of 240 taluks are declared drought‑hit.
- Andhra Pradesh recorded a 53% deficit for June‑August; 388 of 688 mandals are under drought alert.
- Karnataka has asked the Centre for ₹11,000 crore from the NDRF and higher input subsidies.
- Andhra Pradesh set aside ₹190 crore for horticultural crop protection and issued water‑conservation directives.
- Both states are promoting micro‑irrigation and less water‑intensive crops, but no binding limits are imposed.
Important Facts
The national drought assessment combines agricultural and hydrological indicators with ground‑truthing. Only after a state meets these criteria can it access additional support from the NDRF. The Inter‑Ministerial Central Team is responsible for verifying the findings before aid is released.
The current monsoon was the poorest since 2015, and scientists warn that a strengthening El Niño may have contributed, though a detailed attribution study is pending.
Since 2009, the Manual for Drought Management and Finance Commission decisions have tightened the declaration process, reducing exaggerated claims.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the drought response framework is essential for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 3 (Economy & Environment). Candidates should note:
- The role of the NDRF in federal‑state disaster finance.
- How climate anomalies like El Niño affect Indian agriculture and policy response.
- The importance of the Inter‑Ministerial Central Team in inter‑governmental coordination.
- Policy tools such as micro‑irrigation, crop diversification, and groundwater management.
- Guidelines from the Manual for Drought Management and their impact on centre‑state relations.
Way Forward
To strengthen drought resilience, the Centre should:
- Release NDRF aid promptly after the Inter‑Ministerial Central Team verification.
- Expand agricultural insurance and provide targeted subsidies for drought‑tolerant crops.
- Promote mandatory adoption of micro‑irrigation and enforce water‑use norms.
- Invest in climate‑resilient infrastructure, including rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, as urged by the IPCC.
- Ensure transparent, data‑driven drought declarations to avoid political delays.
These steps will reduce farmer indebtedness, safeguard food security, and align with India’s climate‑adaptation commitments.