Maharashtra Drought: Vulnerability and Management

Context

Maharashtra is facing drought-like conditions due to deficient and erratic monsoon rainfall, particularly in Marathwada and Vidarbha, affecting crops and water availability. The state has begun crop-loss assessments and plans to submit a drought proposal after 5 October under applicable National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms.

Drought: Types and Assessment

1. Drought refers to prolonged water deficiency and generally develops in three stages:

• Meteorological drought: Rainfall deficiency with high temperature and evapotranspiration.
• Agricultural drought: Inadequate soil moisture for crop growth.
• Hydrological drought: Decline in surface water and groundwater.

2. Official drought declaration requires assessment of multiple indicators, including rainfall, crop loss, soil moisture, agricultural output, groundwater, drinking water and fodder availability.
3. The State Government conducts the initial assessment, followed by Central verification for disaster-relief assistance.

Factors Behind Maharashtra’s Drought Vulnerability

1. Rain-fed agriculture: Heavy dependence on the monsoon makes agriculture vulnerable to rainfall variability.
2. Erratic rainfall: Uneven and intense rainfall, followed by long dry spells, reduces effective soil moisture and groundwater recharge.
3. Regional water stress: Marathwada faces recurring rainfall variability and limited water availability.
4. Water-intensive crops: Crops such as sugarcane increase pressure on water resources in water-stressed areas.
5. Black soil: Black cotton soil has high water-holding capacity but relatively low infiltration, which can limit groundwater recharge.

Impact on Maharashtra

1. Rainfall Deficit: 31 of 36 districts recorded deficient rainfall, with 20 districts facing a 25–58% deficit.
2. Prolonged Dry Spells: Over 100 talukas experienced dry periods of 40–60 days.
3. Kharif Crops: Erratic rainfall adversely affected soybean and cotton, especially in Marathwada and Vidarbha.
4. Reservoir Levels: Marathwada’s reservoir storage fell to 46%, against 81% during the same period last year.
5. Rural Livelihoods: Water shortages increased pressure on drinking water and fodder availability.

Way Forward

1. Expand Irrigation: Increase irrigation coverage to reduce dependence on monsoon rainfall.
2. Promote Water Efficiency: Encourage micro-irrigation, water-efficient crops and watershed development in drought-prone areas.
3. Recharge Groundwater: Strengthen rainwater harvesting and soil-water conservation to improve groundwater recharge.
4. Improve Monitoring: Use rainfall, soil moisture, crop, reservoir and groundwater data for timely drought assessment.
5. Build Resilience: Move from short-term relief measures towards climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.

FAQs

Q1. What are the three major stages of drought?
Ans: Meteorological → Agricultural → Hydrological drought, involving rainfall deficiency, inadequate soil moisture and depletion of water resources respectively.

Q2. Why is Maharashtra particularly vulnerable to drought?
Ans: High dependence on rain-fed agriculture, erratic rainfall and regional water stress make Maharashtra drought-prone.

Q3. What role does the NDRF play in drought management?
Ans: The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) provides the framework for drought assessment and disaster-relief assistance.