Drought scare

Isolated water conservation measures offer limited gains

A series of reports published in this newspaper clearly indicates that nearly 40 per cent of the country is facing an acute paucity of pre-monsoon rain, causing severe water distress in scorching heat. Though summer droughts of this kind are not uncommon, the extent and intensity of aridity witnessed this year are rare. The rain deficit has been as high as 48 per cent in the southern peninsula, especially Tamil Nadu and coastal Karnataka; nearly 30 per cent in western India, notably Gujarat and large parts of Maharashtra; 17 per cent in the Central region; and 12 per cent in the north-east. Shortfalls of 70 to 80 per cent have also been reported from some places. The overall countrywide average rainfall between March and May remained 23 per cent below normal. 

This is a matter of grave concern. The redeeming factor is that the onset of the monsoon is round the corner and the rain during the four-month monsoon season (June to September) is anticipated to be well spread out and quantitatively normal or somewhat below normal. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the likely rainfall to be around 96 per cent of the long-period average, private weather forecaster Skymet has put it at 91 per cent. But the problem is the forecast made by both of them — that the monsoon would be sluggish to begin with, thus, portending a possible delay in relief from water crisis in some areas. The reason cited for this is the existence of El Nino (warming up of the Pacific Ocean), which often impairs the monsoon performance. However, they differ on the progression of El Nino. While the IMD expects it to turn neutral in the second half of the rainy season, Skymet reckons it to last the whole season, even if in a weaker form.

There is, however, a silver lining to this otherwise perturbing situation. Of the three main facets of drought — meteorological, hydrological and agricultural — the present conditions conform chiefly to the meteorological drought (rainfall inadequacy). Only in some pockets, aridity has accentuated to cause hydrological desiccation as reflected in exhaustion of the surface and groundwater resources. The overall hydrological profile of the country is still positive with the total water stock in 91 major reservoirs monitored by the Central Water Commission being around 14 per cent above the last year’s corresponding level and 3 per cent higher than the long-period average (May 30 data). Agricultural drought has, by and large, been averted as the rabi crops have mostly been harvested and the kharif ones are yet to be planted.

An enduring solution to the recurring water crunch lies, indeed, in drought-proofing the vulnerable areas. In-situ conservation of rainwater is the main mantra to do so. The need is to construct rainwater-harvesting structures at the field, village and watershed levels by digging ponds or putting up check dams at suitable sites on the natural water drainage routes. This is a time-tested water management practice that has helped people survive even in the chronically arid areas. But it requires broad-based planning, keeping in view the whole watershed which may transgress village, district or even state boundaries. Piecemeal moves like taking up isolated water conservation works under the rural employment programmes can, at best, offer limited gains.