conclusion to drought essay

Essay on Drought

Students are often asked to write an essay on Drought in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Drought

Understanding drought.

Drought is a natural event that happens when an area gets less rain than normal. It can last for months or even years.

Causes of Drought

Droughts often occur due to lack of rain. Sometimes, high temperatures can also cause drought by making water evaporate from soil and plants.

Effects of Drought

Drought can make it hard for plants and animals to survive. It can also lead to water shortages for people. In severe cases, drought can cause famine.

Dealing with Drought

People can deal with drought by conserving water, using it wisely, and planning for dry periods.

250 Words Essay on Drought

Introduction.

Drought is a natural disaster characterized by a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. It is a complex phenomenon that can have serious ecological, social, and economic impacts.

Droughts are primarily caused by irregularities in global weather patterns. Climate change has been identified as a significant factor, with increasing global temperatures leading to changes in rainfall patterns and increased evaporation rates. Human activities, such as deforestation and overuse of water resources, can also exacerbate drought conditions.

Impacts of Drought

Drought can have severe consequences for both the environment and human societies. It can lead to crop failure, livestock death, and water shortages, impacting food production and access to clean water. This can consequently lead to malnutrition, disease, and death, particularly in vulnerable populations. Economically, droughts can result in increased prices and job losses in agricultural sectors.

Drought Mitigation

Mitigation strategies for drought include water conservation, efficient irrigation techniques, and the development of drought-resistant crops. Additionally, improving climate forecasting can help societies prepare for and manage drought conditions. Policymakers must also prioritize sustainable water management to ensure that water resources are used efficiently and equitably.

Drought is a pressing global issue that requires concerted efforts to mitigate its impacts. By understanding its causes and consequences, we can develop effective strategies to manage drought and reduce its harmful effects on society and the environment.

500 Words Essay on Drought

Droughts occur when there is an extended period of below-average precipitation. This deficiency of water supply can last for months or even years. Droughts are categorized into three types: meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological. Meteorological droughts are associated with reduced rainfall, agricultural droughts with soil moisture deficits affecting crop production, and hydrological droughts with reduced water availability in streams, reservoirs, and aquifers.

The primary cause of drought is a lack of precipitation over an extended period. This can be due to natural climate variability, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, or changes in atmospheric conditions that suppress the formation of clouds and rainfall. Human activities, such as deforestation and overuse of water resources, can also contribute to the occurrence and severity of droughts.

Drought Management and Mitigation

Effective drought management requires a proactive approach, focusing on reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience. Strategies can include improving water infrastructure, implementing water conservation practices, and developing drought-tolerant crops. At the policy level, it involves developing comprehensive drought management plans, early warning systems, and drought risk insurance. Climate change adaptation strategies also play a crucial role in drought mitigation.

Drought is a significant global challenge that requires concerted efforts to mitigate and adapt. While it is a natural phenomenon, human activities have exacerbated its occurrence and impacts. Therefore, understanding drought, its causes, impacts, and management strategies is essential for sustainable development and resilience. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to enhance our knowledge and strategies to better manage and mitigate the effects of droughts.

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Drought Essay

500 words essay on drought.

Droughts refer to conditions when particular regions face scarcity of water because of low or no rainfall. It is one of the most prevalent problems in India. A lot of areas in the country get hit by drought every year while others face it occasionally. Moreover, many factors contribute to the problem of drought which includes deforestation, global warming and more. Drought essay will take us through it in detail.

Drought Prone Areas in India

In India, there are a lot of chronic drought-affected regions. They include the West Rajasthan and the Kutchtch regions of Gujarat. The main factor for this is the geographical location of these areas.

Moreover, the monsoon season in this area is also very weak by the time they reach there. In addition, humans degrading the environment also do not help but add to the brutality of this problem.

Other than that, other drought-prone areas are Western Orissa, Rayalsema and Telangana areas of Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, interior Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and more. However, the two states which suffer the most from both floods and drought are Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

As per an estimate, around 70% of cultivable land in India is Drought prone. If we look at the past three years, some areas in Rajasthan have been experiencing very little rains. Thus, it becomes harder for the people in that area.

The most impacted section of the society is the marginal farmers, landless labourers and persons from the economically backward section. In addition, the tribal depending on forest produce also suffer from droughts.

Prevention of Droughts

With droughts, the case is different from tsunamis and cyclones. Meaning to say, we can predict it much in advance. Thus, it gives ample time for the Government authorities to prepare for it in advance and cope with this problem.

The Meteorological Department can easily predict the quantity and duration of rainfall with a fair degree of accuracy. As a result, we can counter the intensity and impact of droughts by a series of preventive as well as curative measures.

First of all, we must promote small scale and cottage industry in order to reduce the dependence on agriculture in drought-prone areas. Further, executing a rainwater harvesting project with community cooperation can help in many areas.

Most importantly, we must increase the forest cover by plantation. Similarly, we can also research arid cultivation technologies to implement them in drought-prone areas.

It is also essential to formulate drought management strategies with the involvement of the communities. Finally, we must also introduce crop insurance schemes so that the farmers do not suffer a great loss.

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Conclusion of Drought Essay

To sum it up, drought is a difficult situation with which we have to deal with. When the severity is high, it becomes all the more difficult to manage it. A lot of people get affected because of droughts every year as it reduces human activities. Thus, it is essential to take effective measures to deal with it.

FAQ of Drought Essay

Question 1: What are the effects of drought?

Answer 1: Drought affects the environment in a lot of different ways. We all know that plants and animals depend on water, just like humans. When a drought happens, their food supply shrinks and their habitat can be damaged. As a result, an increase in disease in wild animals happens because of reduced food and water supplies.

Question 2: Why do droughts happen?

Answer 2: Droughts happen when there is not enough rain for a long period of time. It is not like a dry spell, there is so little precipitation (rain, snow, sleet ) that a whole province starts to dry out. Sometimes, a drought can take decades to fully develop.

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Essay on Drought

List of essays on drought, essay on drought – short essay for kids and children (essay 1 – 100 words), essay on drought – 10 lines on drought written in english (essay 2 – 250 words), essay on drought – causes, effects and measures (essay 3 – 350 words), essay on drought (essay 4 – 400 words), essay on drought  – in india (essay 5 – 500 words), essay on drought – for school students (class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 standard) (essay 6 – 600 words), essay on drought – for college and university students (essay 7 – 750 words), essay on drought – long essay on drought (essay 8 – 1000 words).

Drought is a disaster which affects many regions of India every year. A natural disaster which leads to a shortage of water for drinking, agriculture and other practices is called a drought. However, we are yet to come up with some concrete measure in order to avoid this adverse situation through which the people have to go through each year.

Audience: The below given essays are exclusively written for school students (Class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Standard) and college students.

Drought is a severe condition in which some regions face a heavy shortage of water. There are some countries which are nowadays struggling with an insufficient amount of water. This situation occurs due to factors like climate change, deforestation or global warming.

In some areas, starvation as a result of drought, leads to the death of several people. Drought also affect the production of crops, causes forest fires and leads to insufficient electricity production.

It is important to adopt some solutions to tackle this issue. We can use methods like rainwater harvesting, seawater desalination or grow more plants and trees. The whole world is familiar with the misuse of water resources which needs to be overcome in order to prevent droughts.

The prolonged absence of rain or the lack of natural sources of water can bring about a drought. This natural phenomenon has been occurring all through the history of mankind and it has shaped many civilizations in the past. Droughts are something that people fear and it is also something that can be brought about by our actions towards our surrounding. One is compelled by practical reason to consider what actions can bring about potentially cataclysmic events like droughts and since I am still a student there is a lot I can do, further on as I go through life, to contribute to reasonable water usage.

The earth has its own principle of functioning and it changes our surrounding often and without warning, that’s why droughts sometimes happen even though we do nothing, in particular, to make them come about. When such events occur, people use different techniques to find alternative sources of water. The best we can do in such situations is to find tools that we can use to help us predict what the movement of water will be, or how much rain will fall.

On the other hand, we tend to misuse our natural resources and to drain them. That is why the recent decades have seen many rivers dry out due to our extensive agricultural needs. The lack of water brought about droughts in many regions that were previously famed for their natural wealth. Thankfully, people are becoming aware of how they are behaving and through this awareness, we are developing new methods for water use and distribution, it is up to us to implement those changes and make fear of the great drought a thing of the past.

“Drought” which results from the shortage of water due to lack of rainfall. The situation is challenging and can prove to be catastrophic for those living in the drought-affected areas.

Causes of Drought:

The Marathwada region of Maharashtra suffers from “drought” condition every year. There are various factors responsible for causing a “drought” like situation.

Some of these are discussed below:

1. Deforestation:

The main cause of “drought” is deforestation, which leads to a shortage of rainfall. Trees and shrubs hold the ground water, prevent it from evaporation and attracts rainfall. Deforestation is carried out to clear the land for farming, industrialization and urbanization. The soil in these areas loses its capacity to hold water, which also leads to “drought” condition. The devastating flood in the beautiful state of Kerala has become one of the biggest catastrophe in recent times.

2. Diminishing Water Bodies:

The usage of water bodies like rivers and lakes is done on a huge scale. During scorching summers these rivers and lakes are dried which result in dreadful “droughts”. Due to extreme climatic condition and various human activities, the water in these water bodies dries down which leads to “drought”. Wells are also a main sources of water in various regions in the country. Villages and towns in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat are facing life threatening situation where water in the wells has dried up. People in these villages stand in long queues to purchase water for drinking and daily needs.

Effects of Drought:

The farming sector in India is the most vulnerable to the climatic condition. Most of the agriculture in India is dependent on rainfall and ground water. “Drought” like situation has tremendously affected the farming sector and animal husbandry in India. The scorching sun sucks the ground water and becomes fatal to the cattle.

Measures to Prevent Drought:

Droughts can be prevented by –

i. Planting more trees.

ii. Implementing water conservation techniques.

iii. Reducing wastage of water and water pollution.

Conclusion:

Although initiatives like the “Paani Foundation” are being taken to mitigate “drought” condition in India but not much is done till date. As a responsible citizen we must contribute to the efforts taken to combat “drought” condition so that our future generations will not face such crisis.

The problem of drought is very severe and there are plenty of different provinces in India which are being largely impacted. It is really important for people at large to understand that the time calls for taking some strict measures at the earliest.

We have exploited mother earth in a ruthless manner and owing to the anthropogenic exploitation; the natural balance of the ecosystem has been disturbed. This in turn has led to plenty of troubles which include drought.

Drought – Getting Familiar:

Drought mainly refers to the condition wherein the area receives almost negligible to nil rainfall making it a dry period. This can be really deadly for the farmers as most of the harvest won’t ripen and it has several adverse consequences. Granted there are artificial methods of irrigation and the option of water supply but not all farmers have access to these facilities. This infers that drought ends up wrecking havoc on their finances and the families of the farmers sometimes even end up committing suicide or dying because of starvation.

Remedial Measures:

This brings us to the question as to what can be done to remedy the situation of drought. The answerer lies in helping the environment. The environment has the power to heal itself, but we need to be supportive in our approach. It is extremely important to understand the grave concerns and the bleak future that awaits us.

Drought isn’t the only calamity which we are facing. The increased frequency of earthquakes, flash floods, depleting ice cover, striking change in climates are all symbolic of the piteous condition of our environment. Until and unless, we manage to educate the masses and enlighten them about the need to have a green cover and preserve the environment, the frequency of drought and other calamities will continue to be on the rise. More and more measures need to be taken and the ruthless exploitation of the environment needs to stop right away.

We know that it is easier said than done but the change needs to start from somewhere. You should make it a point to understand the possible areas wherein you can bring a change. Try by curtailing the cutting down of trees even if it is for development purpose. Use measures to combat pollution and stop the use of non bio-degradable products. It is the collective efforts which will end up making a huge difference.

Drought is a natural calamity which is an impending sign of the dark future which this planet might be enveloped in if we do not take the right action now!

What is a drought? As per the given definitions, it is a natural disaster resulting in scarcity of water for drinking, agriculture and industrial purposes. But, given the current scenario, is it actually a natural disaster. This may not be completely true as human activities over a period of time have resulted in altering of nature’s natural phenomenon and today we see droughts occurring at places which were once abundant with water resources. Hence there is a strong need to understand the causes of drought and what can be done to prevent or minimize it.

Drought Prone Regions in India:

Some states of India have been declared as drought-prone due to the frequent occurrence of drought year after year in these states. These states are Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka. Apart from these many regions, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and parts of other states are also affected by drought every year.

India is a land which is dependent on monsoon rainfall for adequacy of water. Hence inadequate rainfall is considered as the major reason for drought in most parts of the country. However, this is again a subject of debate as to why there has been insufficient rainfall for quite some years now. Another reason is the drip in the water table and consequently less water vapour in the atmosphere which is responsible for the formation of clouds.

Again global warming has led to changes in the normal climatic conditions and with the increase in temperatures; there has been a significant effect on the monsoon season in India as well. Moreover, high sea temperatures have led to the El Nino effect taking place which has further affected the onset of monsoon season. All these factors combined with improper agricultural practices and increase in pollution levels have contributed to the reduction in the monsoon rainfall which has led to drought each year in many areas in India.

What should be done?

There is an urgent need to have measures in place in order to save the regions of India from drought. One of the major plans of the Government in this regard is the linking of rivers. If we are able to link the rivers we can divert excess rivers from region to the drought-affected areas and save them from this disaster. Another important measure is to have proper irrigation methods in place so as to utilize water only as much as it is required. Moreover, extracting of water through tube wells and other sources should be checked into as this leads to drip in the water table which triggers the onset of drought.

Last, but not least, it is not the responsibility of the government alone to have measures in place to prevent regions from being affected by drought, we all should ensure that we save water to the maximum and follow the rules as laid down by the Government. We should do rainwater harvesting as well so that we store the water provided to us by nature which shall be helpful in difficult times. A collective effort by all can surely be helpful in minimizing if not preventing the situation as adverse as drought.

Introduction:

Drought is a miserable condition caused due to lack of water in a particular region or country or territory for a long period of time. Drought is a natural calamity in which there is scarcity of water everywhere even for the basic needs. People in many countries suffer due to drought and many lose their lives since lack of water leads to lack of food. The impact of drought is very horrible and sometimes it becomes difficult for the affected country to recover to a normal state.

The main reason for drought to occur is the absence of rain. When the normally falling rain fails for a few months then there arises water scarcity. Wells become dry and people and other living beings start to move from one place to another in search of water.

Although lack of rainfall is the main cause for drought , there are also other causes that lead to such a condition.

The various causes of drought are:

Now-a-days people are mis-treating the environment. Why there is no rain? What causes rain? Everyone should ask these questions to themselves to know the real cause of drought. Trees are the main source of rainfall. When we cut trees for constructing buildings, we are not only removing the vegetation and greenery but also removing the main source of rainfall from the Earth.

2. Draining of Surface Water:

Rivers, lakes, ponds are the natural ways by which water is stored in the Earth. Activities like excessive irrigation, excessive use of water for industrial purposes drains the surface water from these natural reservoirs and cause a condition known as drought. Rise in temperature due to global warming is also a cause for draining of water.

Impacts of Drought:

The impact caused by drought is so huge that many countries that faces drought year on year still remains as under-developed countries. The day-to-day activities of the people get stopped. The severity of drought can even take many lives. Let us look into some of the major impacts:

1. Heavy Loss to Farmers:

Agriculture is the source of living for the farmers. Periodic rainfall and the availability of ground water is very much important for agriculture. Drought impacts farmers the most because if there is no rainfall, agriculture fails. There is no yield, plants die, livestock suffers and farmers end up with no income. They get debts to try other ways and make their living but when everything goes out of control, they have no other way than to end their lives. Severe droughts lead to increase in the number of farmer suicides.

2. Loss of Wildlife:

It is during the time of drought, forest fires start occurring. Since everything is dry, fire catches up very easily. The life of wild animals is at huge risk; some get burnt in the forest fires and some lose their habitat and have to move to some other place.

3. Soil Degradation:

Continuous drought will make the soil lose its moisture and fertility. We can see at many places where there are no rains, the lands will have cracks on them. Some areas regain their fertile soil after many years of rain but some totally lose their nature to yield crops.

4. Safety is at Risk:

The scarcity of food leads to increase in prices of commodities. As the droughts might have taken the employment of some, no income would push people to commit crimes such as theft.

There are some ways that people can try to manage drought. Few important ones are listed below: –

People can use rain water harvesting method to save and store rain water and use it at emergency times like drought.

Waste water must be collected, purified and re-used. The water thus stored can be used for watering plants and can be used for irrigation also.

Afforestation techniques can be adopted.

Drought has huge consequences but it is not the end. If everyone of us contribute their share in preserving the environment, then many hazards like drought can be managed very easily.

Drought is a natural disaster that occurs in some regions of the globe. Some regions are more prone to drought while other regions are not. In India, drought has been experienced and a lot of people have died. Drought causes death of humans, animals and plants due to the adverse conditions that are harsh to the ecosystem and limits survival. In disaster management, drought is considered among the threats to human and animal life. Drought is defined as a prolonged period of inadequate water and food. The periods of drought vary but lack of water for over two weeks is considered drought.

During drought, the ecosystem is negatively affected that is why agriculture is compromised and it results in lack of food. The effects of drought are both to the animate and inanimate objects in the environment. Drought is handled by disaster management teams by provision of water and food to the affected people and prevention of further effects like fires on dry vegetation. Drought can occur naturally due to dry seasons or can result from human activities that causes a change in climate.

Lack of rainfall for long periods of time results in drought. Rain formation or precipitation processes require moisture accumulation in the atmosphere or on the ground as ice. Sunshine and winds can affect the precipitation processes as it affects the formation of water.

Another cue of drought is the natural dry seasons whereby low humidity is experienced. During the dry season, water sources dry up due to high temperatures that increase vaporization. In the high demand for vapor, extreme measures like drawing water from plants is reached which results in death of those plants.

Human activities could also result in drought. Agriculture and human settlements result in deforestation. Deforestations predispose the environment to erosion of soil and vegetation destruction. The lack of vegetation and forests causes decreased rainfall in the region and could cause drought occurrence.

Climatic changes also result in drought. Human activities like emission of greenhouse gases to the environment has caused global warming. In global warming, climate change is experienced such that the temperatures on the surface of the earth are raised. Raised temperatures result in increased vaporization and depletion of water from rivers, boreholes. Effects of global warming have been determined to be either extremes of rainfall or drought.

Consequences of Drought:

Drought causes adverse effect on the ecosystem. Interruption and loss of biodiversity is experienced during drought because animals of several species die due to lack of water and food. Also, the living things like trees and vegetation die. Diseases also arise during seasons of drought that affect living things and cause death. Extinction of rare species is common during seasons of drought.

The losses experienced in the economy during drought are substantial. Drought causes death and deterioration of plants thus decreasing the agricultural economical activities. There will be inflation of food production costs and diminished water economic activities like tourism and energy production.

Health of both animals and plants is greatly affected by drought. Drought effects cause diseases like dehydration and malnutrition that are debilitating to both humans and plants. Extreme hunger for humans and animals cause death.

Drought Management:

Once drought has occurred, the protection of people and animals should be done. In disaster management, the focus is on mitigating the consequences and providing life sustenance to those affected by the disaster. In agriculture, methods of irrigation and crop rotation have been implemented in arid areas so as to mitigate the consequences of drought. Water harvesting is also essential in preparation for drought. In water harvesting, construction of dams and boreholes in arid areas has been helpful during seasons of drought.

Erosion is minimized through crop rotation. Water conservation methods like recycling and outdoor use restrictions have been employed in arid areas.

In conclusion, drought is a natural disaster whose effects are adverse and cause loss of life. The management of drought generally involves the water conservation, storage and expansion of sources of water. The consequences of drought are deleterious and destruct the ecosystem and loss of biodiversity.

In order to reduce the consequences of drought, several measures have been put in place. Disaster management teams have conducted projects for water conservation for use during drought like by constructing dams. Mitigating the consequences of drought also involved the inhibition of causes of drought. Mitigation of erosion through planting enough vegetation to prevent erosion goes a long way in preventing drought. Human activities should also be controlled.

Drought can simply be defined as a form of natural disaster that is a result of the precipitation in a particular region below average which results in prolonged periods of water supply shortage, be it ground water, surface water or rainfall water. Droughts can go on for a lot of months or even years; it is most times declared and claimed after about just 15 days.

The agriculture and ecosystem of a particular region can be substantially impacted by drought and this can lead to a great deal of harm on the economy of the region. It has been discovered that the probability of a drought taking place and bush fires occurring is increased significantly by the dry seasons annually. Drought conditions are significantly worsened by long heat periods and this is as a result of the hastened evaporation of vapours of water.

There are a lot of species of plants like the Cactaceae family that have adaptations for the tolerance of drought (like a reduce area of leaf and cuticles that are waxy to help improve their drought tolerance ability). There are other species of plants that survive periods of droughts as seeds that are buried.

Grasslands and Deserts are examples of arid biomes that are produced by droughts that are semi-permanent. Humanitarian crisis and mass migrations are caused by prolonged droughts. Majority of ecosystems that are arid have very low productivity. The world experienced its longest period of drought in Atacama Desert of Chile and the drought lasted for about 400 years.

There are a lot of causes of drought.

A few out of the many causes will be discussed below:

1. Climate Changes:

Droughts are triggered by all the various activities that result in climate change globally and this can have a very strong effect on agriculture all over the world most especially in countries that are developing. Global warming and climate change will bring about an imbalance in the ecosystem.

There is going to be erosion and flooding in some regions and drought in other regions. Therefore, it is quite obvious that climate change and global are one of the leading causes of drought in the world today.

2. Deficiency in Precipitation:

Precipitation is produced through mechanisms including orographic rainfall, strati-form rainfall and convective rainfall. The processes of convective rainfall involve vertical motions that are strong and can lead to the atmosphere overturning in that particular location in about an hour, causing heavy precipitation. The processes of stratiform precipitation involve upward motions that are weaker, a little bit less intense and can last a duration that is longer.

We can divide precipitation into about three categories; this is based on if it falls in form of liquid water, water in liquid form that freezes when it comes in contact with a surface and ice. Droughts mainly occur in areas that the normal rainfall levels are quite low. If the factors in the region do not help the volume of precipitation in a way that they can get to the surface in time, drought occurs. Drought can also be triggered through a very high reflected sunlight level.

3. Dry Season:

In the tropic regions, we have distinct dry and wet seasons and this is as a result of the Monsoon trough. The occurrence of drought is greatly increased during dry seasons, this season is known by the very low humidity and rivers and watering holes drying up. As a result of the inadequacy of watering holes and rivers, a lot of animals that graze migrate because of the absence of water and move to areas that are more fertile. Some of the animals that do this include wildebeest, elephants, zebra and cattle.

As a result of the absence of water, bushfires are very common during this season. Because of the increased temperature, the water vapour tend to become more energetic, to increase the relative humidity to 100%, required water vapour is more. When it is warm, the rate of vegetable and fruit production is increased and this causes an increase in transpiration and evaporation from plants leading to drought conditions that are worse.

Types of Drought :

With the persistence of drought, all of the various conditions that surround it worsen gradually and the effect on the region increases gradually.

There are three major types of droughts:

i. Meteorological drought is a type of drought that occurs anytime we have a prolonged period of below average rainfall or precipitation. It is common for meteorological drought to precede other types of drought.

ii. Agricultural drought is a type of drought that affects the ecology and production of crops in a particular region. Agricultural drought can also happen independently as a result of a change in the levels of precipitation when erosion and soil conditions that are triggered by agricultural endeavours that are poorly planned lead to a drop in the amount of water that is available for crop use. However, traditional droughts are caused by a period of precipitation that is below average.

iii. Hydrological drought is a type of drought that occurs when the available water reserves in sources like reservoirs, lakes and aquifers drop below average. Hydrological drought takes a lot of time to manifest since it deals with water that has been stored and is used and not replenished.

The effects of water shortages can be grouped into three namely:

i. Social effects

ii. Economic effects

iii. Environmental effects

Droughts can also cause wars, wildfires, social unrest, and drop in electricity production, mass migration, hunger, famine and so many more.

Prevention Measures:

Prevention measures include:

i. Building of Dams

ii. Cloud seeding

iii. Desalination

iv. Proper Drought monitoring

v. Proper Land use

vi. Rainwater harvesting

vii. Restriction of water use outdoors

viii. Use of Recycled water

Drought can be very detrimental to the ecosystem and can also have a lot of effects. It is therefore extremely necessary that we do our possible best to battle drought and try to employ methods of drought relief, mitigation methods to prevent drought.

Disaster , Drought , Natural Disasters

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Essay on Drought

Introduction

Imagine waking up to a day filled with sunshine, yet only a feeble trickle of water flows out as you turn on the faucet. This scenario, though fictional for many, mirrors the harsh reality millions face during droughts. Drought, a prolonged period of abnormally low precipitation, disrupts the rhythm of daily life, impacting everything from agriculture to industry to personal well-being. In this essay, we explore the intricacies of drought, including its origins, extensive repercussions, and the pressing requirement for viable solutions to alleviate its catastrophic impact on communities globally.

Types of Droughts

Drought manifests in various forms, each with distinct characteristics and impacts on different societal and environmental sectors. Here are the main types of drought:

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• Meteorological Drought: Meteorological drought manifests when a particular region experiences an extended period of precipitation significantly below its usual levels. A deficit in rainfall primarily characterizes it compared to the long-term average for that area. This type of drought can lead to dry soil conditions, reduced groundwater levels, and decreased surface water availability.
• Agricultural Drought: Agricultural drought occurs when the moisture content in the soil falls below the threshold necessary to sustain robust crop growth and development. It results in a lack of water for agricultural activities, potentially causing crop failure, reduced yields, and livestock loss. Agricultural drought can have severe economic repercussions, impacting food security, livelihoods, and rural economies.
• Hydrological Drought: Hydrological drought is associated with deficits in water supply within hydrological systems such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. It occurs when prolonged periods of low precipitation and reduced runoff diminish water availability in surface water bodies and groundwater aquifers. Hydrological drought can result in decreased water levels in rivers and reservoirs, reduced hydropower generation, and restrictions on water use for irrigation, industry, and domestic purposes.
• Socioeconomic Drought: Socioeconomic drought refers to the impacts of water scarcity on human populations and socioeconomic activities. It encompasses drought’s direct and indirect consequences on communities, economies, and societies. Socioeconomic drought can lead to food and water shortages, loss of income and employment, increased poverty and inequality, and social unrest. It highlights the interplay between environmental conditions, water management practices, and societal vulnerabilities in shaping the overall impact of drought events.

Causes of Drought

Drought is a complex phenomenon influenced by a combination of natural processes and human activities. Here are some of the main causes of drought:

• Climate Variability and Change: Variations in atmospheric circulation patterns, like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), can induce shifts in precipitation distribution, leading to intervals of diminished rainfall and subsequent drought conditions. Climate change exacerbates drought conditions by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of drought events in many regions.
• Deforestation and Land Degradation: Deforestation disrupts the water cycle by reducing transpiration and evaporation, decreasing rainfall, and increasing runoff. Land degradation, including soil erosion and desertification, reduces soil moisture retention and inhibits vegetation growth, exacerbating drought conditions.
• Overuse and Mismanagement of Water Resources: Overextraction of groundwater for irrigation, industry, and domestic use depletes aquifers, reducing groundwater recharge rates and exacerbating drought conditions. Inefficient water management practices, such as unsustainable irrigation methods and inadequate water storage infrastructure, can exacerbate water scarcity during drought.
• Urbanization and Population Growth: Urbanization alters land cover and increases impervious surfaces, reducing infiltration and groundwater recharge rates, exacerbating surface water runoff and flooding, and exacerbating drought conditions in nearby areas. Population growth increases water demand for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes, putting additional pressure on water resources and exacerbating drought conditions.
• Changes in Land Use and Agricultural Practices: Conversion of natural habitats to agriculture and urban areas alters the hydrological cycle, leading to changes in evapotranspiration, precipitation patterns, and runoff, exacerbating drought conditions. Intensive agricultural practices, such as monoculture farming and excessive irrigation, deplete soil moisture and degrade soil quality, increasing vulnerability to drought.
• Natural Variability and Extreme Weather Events: Natural climate variability, such as periodic fluctuations in ocean temperatures and atmospheric circulation patterns, can lead to prolonged periods of reduced rainfall and drought. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and prolonged dry spells, exacerbate drought conditions by increasing evaporation rates and reducing soil moisture.

Impacts of Drought

The impacts of drought are multifaceted and can affect various aspects of the environment, economy, society, and public health. Here’s a detailed explanation of the impacts of drought:

1. Agricultural Impacts

• Reduced Crop Yields: Drought leads to soil moisture deficits, hindering seed germination, crop growth, and development. As a result, farmers experience reduced crop yields and lower productivity.
• Livestock and Pasture Losses: Limited availability of water and forage resources during drought periods can lead to livestock deaths, decreased milk production, and loss of grazing land, impacting the livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists.
• Economic Losses: Agricultural drought results in significant economic losses for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural economies due to reduced crop yields, livestock losses, and increased production costs.

2. Water Supply Impacts

• Decreased Surface Water Availability: Drought reduces streamflow, river levels, and reservoir storage, decreasing water availability for municipal, industrial, and agricultural purposes.
• Groundwater Depletion: Prolonged periods of drought can deplete groundwater reserves as groundwater pumping increases to compensate for reduced surface water supplies, leading to long-term declines in aquifer levels.
• Water Quality Degradation: Decreased water flows and increased water temperatures during drought can exacerbate water quality issues, such as elevated concentrations of pollutants and contaminants, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.

3. Environmental Impacts

• Ecosystem Stress: Drought causes stress to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, leading to reduced vegetation cover, habitat degradation, and loss of biodiversity. Sensitive ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and freshwater habitats are particularly vulnerable to drought-induced changes.
• Increased Wildfire Risk: Drought creates dry and combustible conditions, increasing the risk of wildfires. These wildfires can devastate forests, grasslands, and wildlife habitats, leading to habitat loss, soil erosion, and air quality degradation.
• Desertification and Land Degradation: Prolonged drought accelerates desertification and land degradation processes, leading to soil erosion, loss of arable land, and degradation of natural resources, exacerbating food insecurity and rural poverty.

4. Socioeconomic Impacts

• Food and Water Scarcity: Drought-induced crop failures and water shortages can lead to food and water scarcity, threatening food security and livelihoods, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
• Economic Disruption: Drought disrupts economic activities, reduces agricultural output, and affects industries reliant on water resources, leading to job losses, decreased incomes, and reduced economic growth.
• Social Displacement: Drought-induced food and water scarcity, coupled with economic hardships, can trigger population displacement, migration, and conflicts over natural resources, exacerbating social tensions and inequalities.

5. Public Health Impacts

• Waterborne Diseases: Drought diminishes both the availability and quality of water, heightening the likelihood of waterborne illnesses like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever due to inadequate sanitation and hygiene protocols.
• Malnutrition and Food Insecurity: Drought-related crop failures and food shortages can lead to malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly, exacerbating existing health disparities.
• Mental Health Issues: Drought-induced stress, anxiety , and depression can affect individuals and communities, particularly those facing financial hardships, social disruptions, and environmental losses.

Case Studies of Drought

Here are three case studies of significant drought events from different regions of the world:

1. California Drought (2012-2016)

• Duration: The California drought, often called the “worst drought in 1,200 years,” lasted from 2012 to 2016.
• Impacts: The drought had widespread impacts across California, affecting agriculture, water supply, ecosystems, and communities. Reduced snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains led to decreased surface water availability, while groundwater levels declined due to increased pumping for irrigation. Agricultural losses amounted to billions of dollars, with farmers facing fallowed fields and crop failures. Urban areas implemented water restrictions, conservation measures, and drought emergency declarations to cope with dwindling water supplies.
• Response: California implemented various measures to address the impacts of the drought, including water conservation mandates, groundwater management reforms, investments in water recycling and desalination projects, and habitat restoration initiatives. The state also developed long-term water management strategies to enhance drought resilience and adapt to future climate challenges.

2. Australian Millennium Drought (1997-2009)

• Duration: The Australian Millennium Drought, one of the most severe droughts in Australia’s recorded history, lasted from 1997 to 2009.
• Impacts: The drought affected large parts of Australia, including the southeastern states of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Declining rainfall, depleted water reservoirs, and drying rivers led to severe water shortages for urban, agricultural, and environmental purposes. Crop yields declined, livestock numbers decreased, and ecosystems suffered from reduced water availability and habitat degradation. The drought also exacerbated water allocation and management conflicts between different sectors and regions.
• Response: Australia implemented various measures to mitigate the impacts of the drought and build resilience to future drought events. These measures included water restrictions, water efficiency programs, investment in water infrastructure and recycling projects, implementation of drought relief programs for farmers, and reforms in water governance and management practices. The Millennium Drought prompted significant policy reforms, such as the National Water Initiative, to improve water allocation, conservation, and management across the country.

3. Sahel Drought (1968-1974)

• Duration: The Sahel Drought, a prolonged period of drought and famine, occurred in the Sahel region of West Africa from 1968 to 1974.
• Impacts: The drought had devastating impacts on the Sahelian countries, including Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Declining rainfall, crop failures, and livestock losses led to food shortages, malnutrition, and famine, affecting millions of people. The drought exacerbated environmental degradation , desertification, and soil erosion, further reducing agricultural productivity and exacerbating poverty and social unrest in the region.
• Response: The Sahel Drought prompted international humanitarian assistance efforts, including food aid, emergency relief, and development assistance programs. National governments and international organizations implemented drought mitigation and adaptation measures, including drought-resistant crop varieties, water harvesting techniques, reforestation projects, and soil conservation practices. The drought also underscored the imperative for long-term strategies to tackle the underlying vulnerabilities in the Sahel region, including poverty , environmental degradation, and insufficient infrastructure.

Coping Strategies and Solutions

Coping with drought requires a combination of short-term measures to address immediate needs and long-term solutions to build resilience and adapt to changing climate conditions. Here are some coping strategies and solutions:

• Water Conservation and Efficiency Measures : Introduce water-saving technologies and methodologies across agricultural, industrial, and residential sectors, including drip irrigation, rainwater collection, and the use of efficient water fixtures. Promote public awareness and education campaigns on water conservation and efficient water use behaviors. Enforce water restrictions and regulations to limit non-essential water use during drought periods.
• Diversification of Water Sources : Allocate resources towards alternative water sources like recycled water, desalinated seawater, and treated wastewater to complement conventional water reserves during periods of drought. Develop decentralized water supply systems, including decentralized rainwater harvesting and decentralized wastewater treatment systems, to enhance water resilience at the local level.
• Drought-Resistant Agriculture : Promote the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties and agroforestry practices that require less water and are more resilient to drought stress. Implement soil conservation measures, such as mulching and tillage, to improve soil moisture retention and reduce soil erosion during drought. Encourage sustainable land management strategies, such as crop rotation, cover crops, and integrated pest control, to improve soil fertility and boost drought resistance.
• Water Demand Management : Implement demand management strategies, such as water pricing mechanisms, water metering, and incentives for water conservation, to reduce overall water consumption and mitigate drought impacts. Encourage water-efficient land use planning and development practices, including green infrastructure and low-impact development, to minimize water demand and maximize water retention in urban areas.
• Ecosystem Restoration and Conservation : Restore and protect natural ecosystems, such as wetlands, forests, and riparian zones, that provide critical ecosystem services, including water regulation, flood control, and groundwater recharge. Implement watershed management strategies, such as reforestation, soil conservation, and habitat restoration, to enhance ecosystems’ resilience to drought and mitigate downstream impacts on water quality and quantity.
• Community-Based Adaptation : Foster community participation and collaboration in drought preparedness and response efforts, including community-based monitoring, early warning systems, and local water management initiatives. Build social capital and strengthen community resilience through capacity-building, livelihood diversification, and social safety nets to support vulnerable populations during droughts.
• Policy and Governance Reform : Develop and implement integrated water resource management policies and plans prioritizing sustainable water use, ecosystem protection, and climate resilience. Strengthen governance frameworks, institutional capacities, and regulatory mechanisms to ensure effective drought preparedness, response, and recovery at the local, national, and regional levels.

Policy and Government Initiatives

Policy and government initiatives are crucial in mitigating drought impacts and building resilience to water scarcity. Here are some examples of policies and initiatives implemented by countries around the world:

• Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) : Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a comprehensive water management approach incorporating the social, economic, and environmental aspects of water resources. Countries like South Africa have adopted IWRM principles in their national water policies to promote sustainable water use, equitable water allocation, and stakeholder participation.
• Drought Management Plans : Many countries have developed drought management plans to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during drought events. Australia’s National Drought Policy provides a framework for coordinated federal, state, and local drought management, including risk assessment, early warning, and emergency relief measures.
• Water Pricing and Market Mechanisms : Water pricing mechanisms, such as volumetric pricing and water markets, can incentivize efficient water use and allocation. Nations like Chile have adopted water markets, enabling users to purchase, sell, and exchange water rights, fostering water conservation, and enhancing allocation efficiency.
• Water Rights and Allocation Reforms : Reforming water rights systems and allocation mechanisms can improve water use efficiency, equity, and sustainability. Mexico’s National Water Law introduced water rights reforms, establishing a system of water permits and concessions to regulate water use and promote environmental conservation.
• Climate Change Adaptation Strategies : Nations are incorporating climate change adaptation strategies into their water management policies to tackle the effects of climate variability and change, including drought occurrences. The European Union’s Water Framework Directive incorporates climate change considerations into water management planning and implementation to enhance water resilience and ecosystem protection.
• Investments in Water Infrastructure : Enhancing water infrastructure investments, including the construction of dams, reservoirs, and water treatment plants, can bolster both the reliability of the water supply and its resilience to drought. China’s South-to-North Water Transfer Project is one of the largest water infrastructure projects in the world. It aims to transfer water from water-rich regions in the south to water-stressed regions in the north to alleviate water scarcity and drought risks.
• International Cooperation and Agreements : International cooperation and agreements are essential for addressing transboundary water issues and sharing best practices in drought management. The Nile Basin Initiative brings together countries in the Nile River basin to promote cooperation, sustainable development, and joint management of shared water resources, including measures to address drought and climate risks.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

As we look ahead, several challenges and opportunities emerge in the context of drought management and resilience-building efforts:

• Climate Change Impacts : We expect climate change to worsen drought conditions globally, requiring proactive measures to reduce emissions and adapt to changing climate patterns.
• Water Scarcity and Competition : Population growth and increased water demand intensify competition for limited water resources, requiring sustainable water management practices and equitable allocation mechanisms.
• Ecosystem Vulnerability : Droughts threaten ecosystems substantially, resulting in habitat degradation and biodiversity loss. Therefore, conservation and restoration initiatives are vital for bolstering ecosystem resilience.
• Socio-Economic Vulnerability : Vulnerable communities bear the brunt of drought impacts, facing food insecurity and poverty. Addressing social vulnerabilities and promoting inclusive development are essential for resilience.
• Technological Innovation : Technological advancements like remote sensing and data analytics present opportunities for enhanced drought monitoring and early warning systems, thereby augmenting preparedness and response capabilities.
• Policy and Governance Reform : Strengthening policy frameworks and governance mechanisms is crucial for effective drought management. Integrated approaches and multi-stakeholder collaboration are needed to foster resilience.
• Community Resilience and Empowerment : Empowering local communities and building social capital are key to enhancing drought resilience. Investing in community-led initiatives and capacity-building programs can promote sustainable development.

Drought remains a significant threat, exacerbated by climate change and increasing water demands. However, proactive measures such as water conservation, community resilience-building, and policy reform offer hope for mitigating its impacts. Embracing technological advancements, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and prioritizing community empowerment are vital for navigating future challenges. Investing in sustainable water management practices and adaptive strategies can build resilience and ensure a more resilient future in the face of drought. Together, we can address the complexities of drought and create a more sustainable and equitable world for generations to come.

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Essay on Drought | Drought Essay for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by sastry

Essay on Drought: India is situated in the Northern Hemisphere extending from 8° 4′ N to 37° 17′ N latitude. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country, thus the country falls into tropical as well as sub-tropical zones. The country gets two complete showers of seasonal rain, one during summer season called South-West monsoon and one in winters called the North-East monsoons.

The rest of the year is practically dry. The rain bearing winds are called monsoon winds which persistently flow in the same direction and get reversed only with the change of seasons.

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Long and Short Essays on Drought for Kids and Students in English

Given below are two essays in English for students and children about the topic of ‘Drought’ in both long and short form. The first essay is a long essay on Drought of 400-500 words. This long essay about Drought is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Drought of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.

Long Essay on Drought 500 Words in English

Below we have given a long essay on Drought of 500 words is helpful for classes 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Competitive Exam Aspirants. This long essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 7 to class 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants.

The agriculture in India is largely dependent upon the monsoon rain shower during the months of June to the middle of September and a few parts of the country gets rains during the retreating monsoon from October to December. Tamil Nadu, South of Andhra Pradesh, South-East of Karnataka and Kerala get the maximum showers during the time, about 75 cm.

The occurrence and quality of monsoons depends upon the intensity of winds blowing over the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Sometimes, the country receives intense rainfall and there are times when the monsoon gets weak and there are scanty rains here and there.

Moreover, there is the problem of unequal distribution of rainfall over the country where the monsoon is extremely active whereas the same monsoon is barely active in other parts of the country. In other words, by the time it reaches the higher regions, the winds have shed most of their moisture already or they weaken so much that nothing is left in them in terms of momentum and so they shed their moisture on the way.

This uncertain and uncontrolled character of monsoons in India causes the problem of droughts at some places. Droughts occur when rainfall during a particular year fails to reach even the average or normal level expected of the place at that time of the year. Droughts usually occur in places which have a high variability between low and heavy amount of rainfall.

The greater the difference, more are the chances of droughts. Thus droughts in India occur mainly when South-West monsoon is weak and ineffective. A weak monsoon results in scanty or no rainfall; hence leading to droughts. Many a times droughts occur due to untimely arrival of monsoon-either it is too late or too early. In either case, agriculture is most severely affected. Prolonged breaks between consecutive spells of rain, too, aggravates the problem.

In India, on an average, a drought affects about 16% of the total agricultural land and about 50 million population. The areas that are regularly affected by droughts are those which receive an annual rainfall below 75 cm or have a high variability of 40 cm or more. There are about 99 districts which receive annual rains below 75 cm. A total of 68% of sown area is subject to drought in varying degrees.

But surprisingly the severest droughts have occurred in comparatively humid and wet areas such as West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. These regions usually get high rainfall but a slight failure of rainfall can cause severe droughts here simply because of high intensity of population and the near total dependence of agriculture on monsoon rains in these regions. A normal drought affects a huge part of the country’s population, hence making the drought into a severe one.

This leads to a vicious circle of misery, especially for that part of the population, which is practically hand to mouth. Even among these, the landless labourers are the ones who suffer the most because they are the first ones to lose their jobs due to failure of rains.

Less people are thus required to till the land and so they are the first ones to be pushed over the crevices of hunger, poverty, starvation and destitution. Lack of irrigation facilities and total dependence on monsoon rains leads to even more severe droughts in the remote parts of the country. Moreover, due to the ecological imbalance, the frequency of droughts is likely to increase.

The failure of rains in 2014, has led to the possibility of it being declared as a ‘drought year’. Till August, 2014, 36% of the nation’s meteorological regions faced moderate to severe drought. Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, India’s ‘grain’ bearer belt, is reeling under severe drought. As a result, farmers are paying sky-high prices to protect their paddy crop.

Hopefully, due to great technological advances, irrigation facilities and developments in the transport system, with even the remotest villages getting connected to nearby towns and cities, the intensity with which the droughts can affect human population, agriculture and cattle can be reduced to some extent. The governments now prefers to keep surplus stocks of food grains as well as fodder to combat such recurrent crisis with the support of voluntary organisations, NGOs etc.

NASA scientists, including one scientist of Indian origin have developed a new satellite to predict the severity of droughts and help farmers maximise crop yield. At present, there is no ground or satellite-based global network for monitoring soil moisture at a local scale. It would be of great help to developing countries like India, if this technology gets introduced soon.

Short Essay on Drought 200 Words in English

Below we have given a short essay on Drought is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

The Government of India through Crisis Management Framework 2011, aims at identification of fundamental aspects of drought prone areas, phases of crisis, magnitude, outcome of crisis to trigger mechanism and strategic response matrix. The Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), under ICAR has been assigned the task to prepare district-wise contingency plans in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

The programme also works toward long-term goals such as maintenance of ecological balance by developing, conserving and even harvesting all kinds of resources including land, water, livestock and human resources. It also aims at minimising the adverse effects of droughts on crops and livestock through use of appropriate technology and the naturally available resources.

The recent initiatives by Government were special assistance package and higher seed subsidy. It is also planning to extend subsidy on diesel to areas where there has been less than 50% rainfall. In case, drought is declared by any state, the government has proposed a ₹ 700 crore scheme for cultivation of horticultural crops and ₹ 100 crore for fodder production. Agricultural crop insurance scheme is also in the pipeline. It’s high time that India implements robust drought mitigation measures. The entire burden or blame shouldn’t be put on the farmers. They must be protected and fully prepared for natural calamities. Their prosperity is nation’s progress.

Drought Essay Word Meanings for Simple Understanding

• Persistent – constantly repeated, continued
• Scanty – barely sufficient
• Momentum – force or speed of movement, impetus, as of a physical object or course of events
• Variability – apt or liable to vary or change; changeable
• Consecutive – following one another in uninterrupted succession or order, successive
• Vicious circle – a sequence of reciprocal cause and effect in which two or more elements
• Intensify and aggravate each other, leading to a worsening of the situation
• Crevices – a crack forming an opening
• Destitution – lack of the means of subsistence, utter poverty
• Matrix – the cultural, social, or political environment in which something develops
• Subsidy – a grant or contribution of money
• Mitigation – the act of making a condition or consequence less severe
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The Problem of Drought on Earth Essay

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The earth goes through different climates, normally based on temperature and precipitation differences. Most of the organisms found on the earth’s surface have developed mechanisms to adapt to different climates, though some climatic conditions are too harsh for these animals. Drought is one of the worse climatic changes since it does not only interfere with the water cycle, but every living thing found on the earth’s surface.

The worst thing that has happened in the current century is not depletion of energy sources, nor is it an increase in nuclear war but loss in the biodiversity. The other catastrophes can be repaired within a very short period but loss in biodiversity would take millions of years to correct.

The biggest threat to biodiversity is drought; this can either occur due to natural processes or can be influenced by human beings. Management and conservation measures of the South African reserve should be aimed at establishing ways of preventing the current biodiversity as well as investing in others.

When planning on the conservation measure to adapt for the South African reserve, certain issues have to be put into consideration; both biodiversity and the ecosystem must be preserved for future generation. Since the drought is affecting the vegetation for grazers, it is likely that most of them will die or be eaten by the predators (the lions and dogs).

This may not continue for long as all the grazers may be killed and some may die out of starvation leaving no food for the predators. This calls for urgent conservation measures in order to ensure that neither the grazers nor the predators become extinct.

Many organisms are able to thrive in the habitations that they are most adapted to, for example, fish cannot be able to survive outside water because they have special features that enable them to stay in water. The same applies to wildlife which cannot be able to thrive in an area without vegetation. Conservation measures should therefore be aimed at preserving the vegetation so as to provide a habitat for the wildlife

One way of conserving the reserve would be to transfer the lions and dogs and some of the grazers to other reserves with plenty of food in order to conserve the affected reserve and ensure that none of the organisms get extinct. Transferring the predators and some of the grazers would not be enough because even after doing that the carrying capacity of the reserve remains low and thus the remaining grazers will soon die of hunger.

Other conservation measures have to be adopted for instance planting of turf grass. Almost every cultural landscape contains turf grass lawn, which dictates the infrastructural aesthetic held by people and enforced by ordinance. The lawn is a landscape that requires regular watering yet does not get wet and require limited use of fertilizer and is always short.

The landscape is in essence designed to separate itself from the two most important components it needs, that is, water and resources. This is the heritage of a cultural endeavour to create a water-loving landscape that cannot put up with water.

Drought may be caused by increased human activities and thus the conservation plan must include measures on how to control such activities. It is true that human influences have led to the accelerating rate of climate change. In most cases, the human activities on land such as pollution and deforestation interfere with the water cycle. These activities do not only affect the aquatic life but also the natural cycle of water.

The aquifer table is depleted leading to increased surface runoff. If man was able to balance his activities with the water cycle, then there could be a strong relationship between land and water where each depend on the other one. Many people have changed their perspective about the environment and are now using measures of conserving it.

As we all know, drought is caused by lack of rainfall and the latter is being influenced by human activities such as deforestation and over-cultivation. To respond to this issue, trees should be planted and the government should issue bans to prevent the exploitation of the ecosystem. With all these measures being put into place, we expect the effects of the drought to decline although this may take quite some time.

Human beings in many parts of the world have become more conscious on the role played by living organisms. For instance, forests and vegetations are believed to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere thereby controlling the rate of global warming.

Measures have been put in place to ensure that certain areas are left as reserves and most governments have gone to the extent of planting forests. This has created an increase in the habitat of most species and the rate of extinction which has increased significantly is expected to go down.

If the number of reserves is increased in South Africa, animals would be distributed evenly in these reserves and the impacts of the drought would not be as severe as if the number of reserves is limited.

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Essay on Drought for Students and Children | PDF Download

Essay on Drought for Students and Children – Types, Causes, Prevention Steps: Drought is one of both human and natural made disasters. The main cause to occur drought is the human activities around the area’s environmental conditions. The more damage to the environment the more is the chance of rising to droughts. All the living beings will suffer heavily and even to death due to droughts as similarly, the major part is by human beings. Droughts are a disaster that human beings can’t fight against and only nature has the power to abolish it. Droughts have the power to decide whether there is a need for the existence of living beings are not. Similarly, the essay on drought will contain its types, causes, prevention steps to remove, and much more information.

Short Essay on Drought

Drought is one of the dangerous environmental conditions which damages the quality of life on Earth. It exposes the harmful effect and even it is considered a natural disaster. Drought will usually occur when there is a shortage of any of the essential natural resources in a particular area. These droughts are majorly affecting mankind and all other living beings on the earth. Some countries face drought conditions heavily, due to improper environmental balances. Drought will usually arise with the damage of the nature around the area which leads to hotter climatic conditions and fewer rainfalls. The drought was further divided into three types depending on the shortage of essential natural resources. It damages agricultural cultivation and heavy damage to the lives of farmers. Drought brings up the scarcity of water, food, moisture in the air, and high temperature. Initially, it removes the moisture level from the surroundings, and later on, it eliminates the resources.

Causes to occur droughts are deforestation and a rise in temperatures. As trees are removed it leads to an increase in temperature and ecological imbalances in the areas. As the environment was imbalanced it rises to decrease the rainfalls and hot climatic conditions. Global Warming has the part to bring Drought to the environment. On the other side impact of the drought will be high on living beings on earth. It can abolish food, water and tends to hard financial condition to the people and the country. However, there are some prevention steps like reforestation, using solar energy, and many more to reduce the hot climates and to improve the climate conditions. These steps bring up the rains and necessary moisture conditions for the sustainment of humans and living beings.

Long Essay on Droughts

Drought is a dangerous condition in nature where the scarcity of essential natural resources arises. These conditions are harmful to live beings and mankind where they can lead to death. Drought is nothing but the scarcity of water, food, which are due to climatic conditions. As the lesser rainfalls are seen in the areas which cause the droughts and chance to end of living beings. An example of a drought is the deserts where scarcity arises due to high temperature and less moisture climatic conditions. With increasing global pollution and global warming levels, drought will arise easily.

Types of Droughts

Droughts are further divided into four types namely Meteorological, Hydrological, Agricultural, and Socioeconomic. These all are happening due to the dry weather conditions that dominate in particular areas. As the drought arises it brings up the economical and environmental imbalances in the country or a particular area. There are some areas where the lesser rainfall and humid climatic conditions, there is a chance of observing droughts at a higher rate. People of these specific areas will face problems in their daily routine. Scarcity of essential resources is always present in the area and conditions of people are hard and move to a far distance to get resources.

Metrological drought is the scarcity of cool weather or the continuous dry weather located in a particular area. Hydrological drought happens in areas with less water supply and a decrease in the level of water bodies in the areas. Hydrological droughts occurred after the period of the metrological droughts are observed in the unique area. Agricultural Droughts happen when the crops are affected for any reason. Whereas Socioeconomic drought is observed when the demand and supply ratio of goods is unbalanced.

Causes of Droughts

The causes of droughts are many due to man-made activities and very limited natural activities. But the cause of damage for the droughts are due to humans at a higher rate and these are done every day. Whereas natural disaster occurs once and expose heavy damage. Natural activities like rising in temperature, orbital rotation of the earth, moisture levels in the atmosphere, and many others. Human activities like deforestation, global warming activities, etc. There are some other causes like air circulation, water availability, and some ecological imbalances.

The impact of the drought will be at a higher rate where the life span of human beings will decrease. drought will cut all the chains that are present in the ecosystem. All the living beings and nature will be impacted to a further extent which can remove everything on Planet Earth. However, some solution steps need to follow by human beings to the remove roots of droughts. Reforestation and planting of trees bring up the climatic changes in the environment and make fall the rains. These will develop greenness and remove all the pollution even. Every prevention step needs to follow for the removal of drought from the ecosystem.

Droughts are occurring due to various activities that are involved by human beings. Humans have the intelligence to change the environment in a good path and parallel fulfill their needs of them. Every individual in the ecosystem should feel responsible to follow the prevention steps for the improvement of nature for further decades. Everything is in the hands of human beings because there was the chance to reconstruct the issues less environment and healthy ecosystem.

Conclusion: We believe that the above essay on droughts contains all the information and more useful points to get awareness. These essays will helpful for UPSC aspirants and at competitions & exams for students.

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The Dust Bowl: Causes, Impact, and Lessons for the Future

This essay is about the Dust Bowl, a severe environmental and agricultural disaster of the 1930s in the Great Plains region. It discusses how a combination of severe drought and poor farming practices led to massive dust storms that devastated the land and forced many families to migrate in search of better living conditions. The essay highlights the socioeconomic impacts, including poverty and displacement, and the federal government’s response, which included soil conservation programs and changes in agricultural practices. It also explores the long-term ecological effects and the lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of sustainable land management and proactive measures to prevent future environmental crises.

How it works

One of the worst ecological disasters in North American history was the Dust Bowl, a 1930s agricultural and environmental catastrophe. The Dust Bowl, which started in the Great Plains, was caused by a combination of a protracted, intense drought and years of intensive farming without sufficient crop rotation, fallow fields, cover crops, or other methods of conserving soil. In addition to changing the physical environment, this time had a significant social impact that still reverberates today, affecting public policy, agricultural practices, and migratory patterns.

A sequence of dust storms that started in 1931, peaked in 1934 and 1936, and persisted intermittently until the end of the decade signaled the start of the Dust Bowl. The agricultural techniques of that era had made the topsoil susceptible, and these dust storms, dubbed “Black Blizzards,” swept it away. Millions of acres of prairie have been tilled by farmers; before, the soil and moisture were retained by the deeply rooted grasses. When the drought hit, the wind could readily carry the loose dirt, resulting in enormous dust clouds that obscured the sky as far east as New York and Washington, D.C.

The impacted areas suffered terrible effects right away. Livestock died, crops failed, and families were left penniless. The Dust Bowl’s economic collapse exacerbated the Great Depression’s problems, resulting in widespread destitution and uprooting. A large number of farmers and their families were compelled to leave their homes in quest of employment and more congenial living arrangements. Hundreds of thousands of “Okies” and “Arkies” moved westward to California and other states during this migration, which is well-known for being detailed in John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.” Upon arrival, they frequently encountered hard conditions and discrimination.

Aside from the acute suffering of people, the Dust Bowl led to important adjustments in government regulations and agricultural techniques. In response, the federal government, led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, implemented a number of policies meant to provide both short-term assistance and long-term protection against future calamities. An organized attempt to promote soil conservation methods was started in 1935 with the founding of the Soil Conservation Service, which is now the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Initiatives including contour plowing, crop rotation, and windbreak planting were implemented to lessen soil erosion and replenish the land’s fertility.

Equally important were the Dust Bowl’s ecological effects. Native plants and animals perished as a result of the disruption of local ecosystems caused by topsoil loss and the dust storms that followed. The weather patterns were also impacted by the changing topography, which made the drought conditions worse in some places. Reforestation initiatives and the founding of the Shelterbelt Project—which sought to build a tree barrier across the Great Plains to lessen wind erosion and stabilize the soil—were two of the efforts made to restore the land.

The Dust Bowl left behind more than just its immediate consequences. It was a sobering reminder of the precarious equilibrium that exists between environmental sustainability and human activity. The lessons learnt during this time have impacted agricultural practices globally, highlighting the significance of sustainable farming practices, soil conservation, and the necessity of government action during ecological crises.

The Dust Bowl has reappeared in conversations concerning contemporary farming methods and climate change in recent years. The susceptibility of our food systems to environmental disturbances is becoming more and more evident as global temperatures increase and extreme weather events become more frequent. The Dust Bowl is a lesson in sustainable land management, emphasizing the need for proactive steps to protect our natural resources and the possible repercussions of disregarding such management.

In summary, the Dust Bowl was a disastrous occurrence that altered the social and physical landscape of the US. Its causes highlight the complex interplay between human activity and the environment, stemming from a confluence of natural and human influences. Future generations will benefit greatly from the crisis reaction, which included adjustments to government regulations and agricultural practices. The Dust Bowl serves as a potent reminder of the necessity of alertness, ingenuity, and collaboration in the search of a sustainable future as we confront fresh environmental difficulties.

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Geography Notes

Essay on drought: top 9 essays | india | natural calamities | geography.

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Here is a compilation of essays on ‘Drought’ for class 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Find paragraphs, long and short essays on ‘Drought’ especially written for school students.

Essay on Drought

Essay Contents:

• Essay on the Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP)

Essay # 1. Introduction to Drought:

Since time immemorial, mankind has lived under the threat of natural disasters. Amongst various hazards of nature, drought is the most disastrous. In the past, India had been a frequent victim of disastrous droughts, which resulted in famine deaths of large members of human and livestock.

Drought, thus, is a precursor of famine and undoubtedly man’s worst natural enemy. Technological developments and natural efforts are in progress to ameliorate the impacts of drought and being about sustainability to agricultural productivity in the country.

Low rainfall or failure of monsoon rains is a recurring feature in India. This has been responsible for droughts and famines. The word drought, generally, denotes scarcity of water in a region.

Though, aridity and drought are due to insufficient water, aridity is a permanent climatic feature and is the culmination of a number of long term processes. However, drought is a temporary condition that occurs for a short period due to deficient precipitation for vegetation, river flow, water supply and human consumption. Drought is due to anomaly in atmospheric circulation.

Drought is a climatic anomaly, characterised by deficit supply of moisture resulting either from subnormal rainfall, uneven distribution, higher water need or a combination all the factors. Droughts lead to problems like widespread crop failure, unreplenished groundwater resources, depletion in lakes/reservoirs, shortage of drinking water, reduced fodder availability etc.

Essay # 2. Definition of Drought :

There is no universally accepted definition of drought:

Early workers defined drought as prolonged period without rainfall. According to Ramdas (1960), drought is a situation when the actual seasonal rainfall is deficient by more than twice the mean deviation. American Meteorological Society defined drought as a period of abnormally dry weather, sufficiently prolonged for lack of water to cause a severe hydrological imbalance in the area affected.

In general, drought means different things to different people. To a meteorologist it is the absence of rain while to the agriculturist it is the deficiency of soil moisture in the crop root zone to support optimum crop growth and productivity.

To the hydrologist it is the lowering of water levels in lakes, reservoirs etc. while for the city management it may mean the shortage of drinking water availability. Thus, it is unrealistic to expect a universal definition of drought for all fields of activity.

Prolonged deficiency of soil moisture adversely affect crop growth indicating incidence of agriculture drought. It is the result of imbalance between soil moisture and evapotranspiration needs of an area over a fairly long period as to cause damage to standing crops and to reduce the yields.

Essay # 3. Classification of Drought :

Drought can be classified based on duration and nature of users. In both the classifications, demarcation between the two is not well defined and many a time overlapping of the cause and effect of one on the other is seen.

Droughts are classified into eight kinds:

(i)   Permanent Drought :

This is characteristic of the desert climate where sparse vegetation growing is adapted to drought and agriculture is possible only by irrigation during entire crop season.

(ii) Seasonal Drought :

This is found in climates with well-defined rainy and dry seasons. Most of the arid and semiarid zones fall in this category. Duration of the crop varieties and planting dates should be such that the growing season should fall within rainy season.

(iii) Contingent Drought :

This involves an abnormal failure of rainfall. It may occur almost anywhere especially in most parts of humid or sub-humid climates. It is usually brief, irregular and generally affects only a small area.

(iv) Invisible Drought :

This can occur even when there is frequent rain in an area. When rainfall is inadequate to meet the evapotranspiration losses, the result is borderline water deficiency in soil resulting in less than optimum yield. This occurs usually in humid regions. Droughts are also classified based on their relevance to the users.

(v) Meteorological Drought :

In India, the definition for meteorological drought adopted by IMD is a situation when the deficiency of rainfall at a meteorological sub-division level is 25 per cent or more of the long- term average (LTA) of that subdivision for a given period. Drought is considered moderate; if the deficiency is between 26 and 50 per cent and severe if it is more than 50 per cent.

In our country, a year is considered to be a drought year in case the area affected by moderate and severe drought, either individually or together, is 20 to 40 per cent of the total area of the country and seasonal rainfall deficiency during southwest monsoon season for the country as a whole is at least 10 per cent or more. When the spatial coverage of drought is more than 40 per cent, it will be called as all India severe drought year (IMD Technical Circular No 2/2007).

(vi) Atmospheric Drought :

It is due to low air humidity, frequently accompanied by hot dry winds. It may occur even under conditions of adequate available soil moisture. Plants growing under favourable soil moisture regime are usually susceptible to atmospheric drought.

(vii) Hydrological Drought :

Meteorological drought, when prolonged, results in hydrological drought with depletion of surface water and consequent drying of reservoirs, tanks etc. This is based on water balance and how it affects irrigation as a whole for bringing crops to maturity.

(viii) Agricultural Drought :

It is the result of soil moisture stress due to imbalance between available soil moisture and evapotranspiration of a crop. It is usually gradual and progressive. Plants can therefore, adjust at least partly, to the increased soil moisture stress. This situation arises as a consequence of scant precipitation or its uneven distribution both in space and time. It is also usually referred as soil drought.

When soil moisture and rainfall are inadequate during crop growing season to support healthy crop growth to maturity, which situation causes extreme crop stress and wilting is called agricultural drought. It is defined as a period of four consecutive weeks (of severe meteorological drought) with a rainfall deficiency of more than 50 per cent of the long-term average (LTA) or with a weekly rainfall of 5 cm or less during the period from mid-May to mid-October (kharif) when 80 per cent of the country’s total crop is planted, or six such consecutive weeks during the rest of the year.

Essay # 4. Criteria of Drought :

In India various states and official commission have adapted different criteria for classifying droughts.

Irrigation Commission, while adopting the IMD classification of Meteorological drought based on departure of annual rainfall from normal, considered those regions which experienced drought in 20 per cent of years as drought areas and those area which experienced drought in more than 40 per cent of the years as chronic drought areas.

National Commission on Agriculture (1976) considered agricultural drought as an occasion when at least four consecutive weeks receive rainfall half of the normal (normal rainfall being 5 mm or more) during the crop season (mid-May to mid-October) or six such weeks during other period.

The criteria adopted in different states also vary depending on the rainfall and crops grown in the region. Tamil Nadu considers region receiving less than 900 mm rainfall as drought affected, while Karnataka considers regions receiving rainfall less than 400 mm during kharif and less than 30 per cent during crop season and 20 per cent deficiency of rainfall during crucial stages of crop growth as drought affected areas.

Rajasthan on the other hand considers a year as scarcity year when the productivity decrease by 50 per cent compared to a good crop year. Many of the states also follow the “Annawary” system wherein the crop conditions are assessed through visual estimates.

The criterion followed is:

Production above 75 per cent of normal: No drought.

Production 50 to 75 per cent of normal: Moderate drought.

Production 25 to 50 per cent of normal: Severe drought.

Production less than 25 per cent normal: Disastrous drought.

Besides rainfall, various other climatic and soil factors have also been used for drought classification. These include the aridity index (la) anomaly and ratio of actual to potential evapotranspiration (AE/PE).

Studies at CAZRI categorised drought based on moisture stress during crop growing season using the following criteria:

Drought Free Period:

When cumulative AE curve is above cumulative PE/2 curve.

Moderate Drought Period:

When cumulative AE curve lies between cumulative PE/2 and PE/4 curves.

Severe Drought Period:

When cumulative AE curve is below cumulative PE/4 curve.

Impact of drought depends on the phonological state of crop growth. Hence, a novel method of classification of agricultural droughts was attempted at CAZRI, considering the values of AE/ PE during different phenophases of crop growth as indicated in Table 5.4.

Depending upon the values of AE/PE during different phenophase, drought code varies as S 1 V 3, R 2 , S 0 V 1 , R 1 etc.

This is a generalised classification without specification of any crop. At this state, crop factor can be introduced and drought code in three syllables can be unified into a single drought code (A) applicable to one particular crop for a specific region. Based on this criteria, the above two situations mentioned come under classification of A 2 (moderate) and A 1 (mild) respectively.

Apart from climatological parameters, physical parameters like canopy-air temperature differences have also been used for assessing stress degree days (SDD) to indicate the impact of drought. The SDD have been found to correlate well with yield fluctuations as a result of moisture stress. Also spectral ratios of infrared to red reflectance obtained from radiometers (satellite or ground based) can be used to monitor agricultural effects of drought based on observed rate of change of absorbed radiation expressed as a fraction of maximum rate.

Essay # 5. Impact of Droughts:

One of the sectors where immediate impact of drought is felt is agriculture. With increased intensity or extended duration of drought prevalence, a significant fall in food production is often noticed. Drought results in crop losses of different magnitude depending on their geographic-incidence, intensity and duration. Drought not only affects food production at farm level but also national economy and overall food security as well.

Besides shortage of food and drinking water, impact of drought is also felt due to:

a. Deficit groundwater recharge.

b. Non availability of quality seed.

c. Reduced draught power for agricultural operations due to distress sale of cattle.

d. Land degradation.

e. Fall in investment capacity of farmers for further investment in agriculture.

Essay # 6. Periodicity of Drought:

Drought prone areas in the country, classified on annual rainfall departure, fall either in arid, semiarid and dry sub-humid regions where droughts occur frequently.

Periodicity of drought in different meteorological subdivisions is given in Table 5.5 :

Historical rainfall data of the country suggests that the monsoon rainfall recorded in the country during drought year of 1918 was the lowest.

Severe drought years that occurred over the past 200 years (1801-2000) are shown in Table 5.6:

Administrative districts frequently affected by drought are given in Table 5.7:

Essay # 7. Plant Adaptations to Drought :

Plants can grow and survive in dry habitat by escaping drought and drought resistance.

Escaping Drought :

Many short duration desert plants (ephemerals) germinate with rains and mature in five to six weeks. They have no mechanism to overcome soil moisture stress and are not drought resistant. In cultivated crops, early maturity before soil moisture stress is the main adaptation to drought in dry regions.

Drought Resistance :

Plants can adapt to drought conditions in two ways: avoiding stress and tolerating stress. Stress avoidance is the ability to maintain favourable water balance and turgidity even when subjected to drought thereby avoiding stress and its consequences. Favourable water balance can be achieved either through conserving water by restricting transportation (water savers) or by accelerating water uptake (water spenders).

The mechanisms for conserving water are regulating stomatal opening, increased photosynthetic efficiency, low rates of cuticular respiration, decreasing transpiration by lipid deposition on leaves, reducing leaf area, stomatal frequency and location and presence of awns. Water uptake can be accelerated by efficient root system, high root to top ratio, differential osmotic potential of plants and change of water spenders to water savers.

Drought Tolerance :

Plants can tolerate drought either by mitigating the actual stress or by showing high degree of tolerance to stress. Mitigating the stress by resistance to dehydration and by preventing leaf collapse permit the plants to maintain a high internal water potential inspite of drought conditions.

Tolerating the stress by resistance to metabolic strain (starvation acid protein loss) and plastic strain (increased resistance to stress due to exposure to sublethal stress for long period) can increase the plant ability to resist and survive under conditions of soil moisture stress.

Essay # 8. Drought Prone Areas :

Out of the total geographical area of India, almost one-sixth area with 12 per cent of the population is drought prone; the areas that receive an annual rainfall up to 600 mm are the most prone. Irrigation Commission (1972) had identified 67 districts as drought prone.

These comprise 326 taluks located in 8 states, covering an area of 49.73 M ha. Subsequently, National Commission on Agriculture (MoA 1976) identified a few more drought prone areas with slightly different criteria. Later, based on detailed studies, 74 districts of the country have been identified as drought prone.

In the past, one or more of the following four criteria were used to identify drought prone areas:

(1) Meteorological data.

(2) Revenue remission.

(3) Frequency of famine or scarcity.

(4) Availability of irrigation facilities.

Some states used other criteria also. Tamil Nadu identified 311 taluks in which rainfall was less than 900 mm or less than 35 per cent of the cultivable area irrigated as drought area. Rajasthan considered an area to be drought prone when the ratio of good crop year to scarcity year was 2: 1 or when not less than 50 per cent of the village of the area were affected by drought.

Karnataka considered those areas as drought areas which received less than 400 mm rainfall during kharif and less than 150 mm during rabi with a variability of more than 30 per cent during each season and rainfall deficiency of more than 20 per cent at the critical stages of crop growth. Thornthwaite used water balance approach for evaluating drought and proposed the aridity index.

The Irrigation Commission relied, on only two criteria: meteorological data and available irrigation facilities and demarked the areas as drought or chronic drought zones. Drought zones are areas with 25 per cent probability of rainfall departure from the normal. Chronic drought zones are areas with 40 per cent probability of rainfall departure or more than – 40 per cent from the normal.

Essay # 9. Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP):

It is the earliest area development programme launched by the Central Government in 1973- 74 to tackle the special problems faced by those fragile areas, which are constantly affected by severe drought conditions. These areas are characterised by large human and cattle populations which are continuously putting heavy pressure on the already degraded natural resources for food, fodder and fuel.

Basic objective of the programme is to minimise the adverse effects of drought on production of crops and livestock and productivity .of land, water and human resources, leading to drought proofing of affected areas.

The programme aims at promoting overall economic development and improving the socio-economic condition of resource poor and disadvantaged sections inhabiting the programme areas through creation, widening and equitable distribution of resource base and increased employment opportunities.

The objectives of the programme are being addressed, in general, by taking up development works through watershed approach for land development, water resource development and afforestation/pasture development.

Recent impact studies sponsored by the ministry have revealed that with the implementation of watershed projects under Drought Prone Areas Programme, overall productivity of land and water table have increased and there has been a significant impact in checking soil erosion by water and wind. The programme has also helped in overall economic development in the project areas.

Major problems are continuous depletion of vegetative cover, increase in soil erosion and fall in groundwater levels due to continuous exploitation without any effort to recharge the underground aquifers.

Though the programme had a positive impact in terms of creating durable public assets, its overall impact in effectively containing the adverse effects of drought was not found to be very encouraging. In addition, many of the states had also been demanding inclusion of additional areas under the programme.

With a view to identifying the infirmities in the programme and also for considering the case for inclusion of additional areas under the programme, a high level technical committee under the chairmanship of Prof CH Hanumantha Rao, Ex-Member Planning Commission was constituted in April 1993 to critically review the contents, methodology and implementation processes of all area development programmes and suggest suitable measures for improvement.

The Committee in its report submitted in April 1994 had attributed the unsatisfactory performance of the programmes to the following major factors:

1. Implementation of programme activities over vast areas in a sectoral and dispersed manner.

2. Inadequate allocations to the programme and programme expenditures thinly spread overlarge problem areas.

3. Programme implemented through government agencies with least or no participation of local people.

4. Taking up of a vast array of activities, which were neither properly integrated nor necessarily related to objectives of the programme.

Based on recommendations of the Hanumantha Rao Committee, comprehensive guidelines for watershed development, commonly applicable to Drought Prone Areas Programme, Desert Development Programme and Integrated Wastelands Development Programme were issued in October 1994 and were made applicable with effect from 1.4.1995. Subsequently, based on the feedback received from states, project implementation agencies and others concerned, guidelines were revised in September 2001.

Relevant definition of agricultural drought appears to be a period of dryness during the crop season, sufficiently prolonged to adversely effect the yield. The extent of yield loss depends on the crop growth stage and the degree of stress. It does not begin when the rain ceases, but actually commences only when the plant roots are not able to obtain the soil moisture rapidly enough to replace evapotranspiration losses.

Important causes for agricultural drought are:

a. Inadequate precipitation.

b. Erratic distribution.

c. Long dry spells in the monsoon.

d. Late onset of monsoon.

e. Early withdrawal of monsoon.

In India, seasonal rainfall (monsoon rains) over Indian subcontinent is a global phenomena associated with large scale hemispherical movement of air masses. As such, identification of major atmospheric phenomenon that influences the monsoons over Indian subcontinent is essential in drought management research.

Two such relationships are:

(i) Sea surface temperature anomaly around the Indian subcontinent in relation to atmospheric circulation.

(ii) Large scale pressure oscillation in atmosphere over southern Pacific Ocean.

The El Nino event is one such phenomenon, which has profound influence on the monsoon activity over Indian subcontinent, The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) is one important parameter in the predictive sixteen parameters model used by IMD for long range forecasting purposes.

As per IMD studies, all the drought years are El Nino years where as all the El Nino years are not drought years indicating thereby that various other factors also equally influence the monsoon over the Indian subcontinent.

In this context, the winter circulation over the subcontinent, extended period of occurrence of western disturbances (late in the season), strengthening of heat low over N-W India in summer and shifts in zonal cells over India are some of the important parameters that influence monsoon system over the country.

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Understanding Droughts

Drought is an extended period of unusually dry weather when there is not enough rain.

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Drought  is an extended period of unusually dry  weather  when there is not enough rain. The lack of  precipitation  can cause a variety of problems for local communities, including damage to  crops and a shortage of drinking water. These effects can lead to devastating  economic  and social disasters, such as  famine ,  forced migration  away from drought -stricken areas, and  conflict  over remaining  resources .

Because the full effects of a drought can develop slowly over time, impacts can be underestimated. However, drought can have  drastic  and long-term effects on  vegetation , animals, and people. Since 1900, more than 11 million people have died and more than 2 billion people have been affected by drought . Drought is also one of the costliest weather -related disasters. Since 2014 California has lost at least 2 billion-dollars a year, due to drought .

Defining Drought

Drought is a complicated  phenomenon , and can be hard to define. One difficulty is that drought means different things in different regions. A drought is defined depending on the average amount of precipitation that an area is accustomed to receiving.

For example, in Atlanta, Georgia, the average rainfall is about 127 centimeters (50 inches) a year. If  significantly less rain falls, there may be water shortages and a drought may be declared. However, some arid regions, such as the  deserts of the American Southwest, may receive less than about 25 centimeters (10 inches) of rainfall in a non- drought year. A drought in Atlanta could be a very wet period in Phoenix, Arizona!

Determining the start of a drought can be tricky. Unlike many  natural hazards that bring about sudden and dramatic results—such as  earthquakes ,  tornadoes , and  hurricanes —the onset of a drought can be gradual and subtle. It can take weeks, months, or even years for the full effects of long-term  inadequate  rainfall to become apparent.

The end of a drought can also be difficult to determine. While a single rain storm will provide short-term relief from a drought , it might take weeks or months before levels of precipitation return to normal. The start and end of a drought are often only clear in hindsight .

Causes of Drought

Most droughts occur when regular weather patterns are interrupted, causing  disruption to the  water cycle . Changes in  atmospheric circulation  patterns can cause storm tracks to be  stalled for months or years. This disruption can dramatically impact amounts of precipitation that a region normally receives. Changes in wind patterns can also be disruptive to how moisture is absorbed in various regions.

Scientists have found a link between certain  climate  patterns and drought . El Niño is a weather event where the surface water in the Pacific Ocean along the central South American coast rises in temperature. These warmer waters alter storm patterns and are associated with droughts in Indonesia, Australia, and northeastern South America. El Nino events keep climate scientists guessing, by occurring every two to seven years.

La Niña is the counterpart to El Niño , when the surface water in the Pacific Ocean along the coast of South America decreases in temperature. The cooler waters affect storm patterns by contributing to drier-than-normal conditions in parts of North and South America. El Niño and La Niña both usually last about a year. The effects of La Niña on weather patterns are often more  complex  than El Niño . Two of the most devastating droughts in the history of the United States—the 1930s  Dust Bowl  and the 1988 drought in the Midwest—are associated with the effects of La Niña.

There is still a lot of debate about the connection between drought and  global warming , the current period of  climate change . A 2013 NASA study predicts warmer worldwide temperatures will mean increased rainfall in some parts of the world and decreased rainfall in others, leading to both more flooding and more droughts worldwide. Other scientists question the prediction that there will be more droughts and believe global warming will create a wetter climate around the world.

Impacts of Drought

Trees and other plants have adapted to withstand the effects of drought through various survival methods. Some plants (such as grasses) will slow their growth or turn brown to conserve water. Trees can drop their leaves earlier in the season to prevent losing water through the leaf surface. However, if drought conditions persist, much vegetation will die.

Certain plants have adapted so they can withstand long periods without water. Yuccas, for instance, have deep  root systems that can seek out water with incredible efficiency. Cacti have spiny, hairy spines, spikes, or leaves that limit how much water they lose to  evaporation . Mosses can withstand complete  dehydration . Juniper trees can self- prune  by steering water only to ward the branches required for survival. Other plants only grow when there is enough water to support them. In periods of drought , their seeds can survive under the  soil for years until conditions are favorable again.

However, many organisms cannot adapt to drought conditions, and the environmental effects of extended, unusual periods of low precipitation can be  severe . Negative impacts include damage to  habitats , loss of  biodiversity , soil   erosion , and an increased risk from  wildfires . During the U.S. drought of 1988, rainfall in many states was 50 to 85 percent below normal. Summer thunderstorms produced  lightning  without rain and  ignited fires in dry trees. In Yellowstone National Park 36 percent of the park was destroyed by fire.

Drought can also create significant economic and social problems. The lack of rain can result in crop loss, a decrease in land prices, and  unemployment  due to declines in production. As water levels in rivers and lakes fall, water-supply problems can develop. These can bring about other social problems. Many of these problems are health-related, such as lack of water, poor  nutrition , and famine . Other problems include conflicts over water usage and food, and forced migration away from drought -stricken areas.

While drought is a naturally occurring part of the weather cycle and cannot be prevented, human activity can influence the effects that drought has on a region. Many modern agricultural practices may make land more  vulnerable to drought . While new  irrigation  techniques have increased the amount of land that can be used for farming, they have also increased  farmers ’ dependence on water.

Traditional agricultural techniques allow land to “rest” by rotating crops each season and alternating areas where  livestock graze . Now, with many areas in the world struggling with overpopulation and a shortage of farmland, there is often not enough  arable  land to support  sustainable practices. Over-farming and  overgrazing  can lead to soil being  compacted and unable to hold water. As the soil becomes drier, it is vulnerable to erosion . This process can lead to  fertile  land becoming desert -like, a process known as  desertification . The desertification of the  Sahel  in North Africa is partly blamed on a prolonged drought whose effects were intensified by farming practices that result in overgrazing .

Increased drought conditions in Kenya have been attributed to  deforestation and other human activities. Trees help bring precipitation into the ground and prevent soil erosion . But in 2009, it was reported that one-quarter of a protected forest reserve had been cleared for farming and  logging , leading to drought conditions affecting 10 million people around the country.

Historical Droughts

Scientists often study historical droughts to put modern-day droughts in perspective. Since our  data  from  thermometers and  rain gauges only goes back about 100 to 150 years, scientists must research  paleoclimatology , the study of the atmosphere of prehistoric Earth. Scientists gather paleoclimatic data from  tree rings ,  sediments found in lakes and oceans,  ice cores , and archaeological  features and  artifacts . This allows scientists to extend their understanding of weather patterns for millions of years in the past.

Analyzing paleoclimatic data shows that severe and extended droughts are an  inevitable  part of natural climate cycles. North America has experienced a number of long-lasting droughts with significant effects. It is thought that droughts brought about the decline of the  Ancestral Puebloans  in the Southwest during the 13th century, and the central and Lower  Mississippian societies in the 14th to 16th centuries.

In South America, massive migration out of the once-fertile Atacama Desert 9,500 years ago can be explained by the onset of extreme drought.

In Africa, the Sahel region experienced a dry period from 1400 to 1750 that radically altered the  landscape . The water level in Lake Bosumtwi, Ghana, for instance, fell so low that an entire forest grew on the lake’s edges. Today, visitors can still see the tops of trees growing out of the lake—where the water is now more than 15 meters (50 feet) deep.

What scientists have learned by looking at Earth’s drought history is that periods of severe drought are a regular part of nature’s cycle. As devastating as droughts in the last century have been, they are considered relatively minor compared to the severity of earlier droughts that have lasted more than a century.

Major Droughts in the Past Century

The Dust Bowl of the 1930s is probably the most well-known drought experienced by the U.S. By 1934, 80 percent of the U.S. was struggling with moderate-to- severe drought conditions. The drought lasted nearly a decade and had devastating effects on crop production in the  Great Plains . The combination of lack of rain, high temperatures, and strong winds affected at least 50 million acres of land. Massive clouds of dust and sand formed as unusually strong winds lifted the dry soil into the air. These clouds could block out the sun for days, giving the period the name “ dust bowl .” In 1934, one dust cloud infamously traveled 2,414 kilometers (1,500 miles), from the Great Plains to the eastern U.S.

Mass migration was an indirect effect of the Dust Bowl . Farmers and their families were forced to migrate to other areas in search of work, and by 1940, 2.5 million people had fled the Great Plains . Of those, 200,000 moved to California. The influx of migrants into existing economies already strained by the Great Depression led to a rise in conflict , unemployment , and  poverty .

In the 1950s, severe drought returned to the Great Plains and southwestern United States, affecting half of the continental U.S. Low rainfall and high temperatures caused the production of crops in some areas to drop nearly 50 percent. Hay became too expensive for ranchers, and they had to feed their cattle prickly pear cactus and molasses to keep them alive. By the end of the five-year drought in 1957, 244 of Texas’ 254 counties had been declared  federal   drought disaster areas .

In the late 1980s, the U.S. experienced one of the costliest drought in its history. The three-year spell of high temperatures and low rainfall ruined roughly $15 billion of crops in the  Corn Belt . The total of all the losses in energy, water,  ecosystems , and  agriculture  is estimated at $39 billion. Federal assistance programs were able to help many farmers , but a longer-lasting drought would make it more difficult for the government to provide nationwide aid.

Droughts continue to affect the U.S. Texas has been suffering from drought since 2010, with 2011 ranking as the driest year in the state’s history. A September 2012  National Geographic  magazine article called Texas “The New Dust Bowl.” By 2013, 99 percent of the state was dealing with drought.

Australia is also a frequent victim of drought . The last decade has been especially severe , earning it the name The Big Dry or The Millennium Drought . Much of the country was placed under water restrictions, wildfires spread in the dry weather , and the water level in some  dams fell to 25 percent. In 2007, 65 percent of viable land in Australia was declared to be in a drought . The drought was officially declared over in April 2012.

Droughts that occur in the  developing world  can cause even greater devastation. The Sahel region in Africa, which includes eight countries, endured a series of droughts in the 1970s and 1980s where annual rainfall dropped by about 40 percent. In the early 1970s, more than 100,000 people died and millions of people were forced to migrate. Conditions continue to be critical in the area due to drought , overpopulation, failing crops , and high food prices. Drought emergencies for the region have been declared four times since 2000.

The  Horn of Africa , which includes the countries of Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti, is particularly vulnerable to droughts . Because almost 80 percent of the population is rural and depends on agriculture for food and income, famine often accompanies drought .

Struggles for the region’s limited, remaining resources can lead to conflict and war. In 1984 and 1985, the Horn of Africa suffered one of the worst droughts of the 20th century. The U.N. estimates that in Ethiopia alone, 1 million people died, 1.5 million livestock died, and 8.7 million people were affected by the drought—including being hospitalized, forced to migrate, or forced to change professions. In Sudan, 1 million people died, at least 7 million livestock died, and 7.8 million people were affected.

The cycle of drought-famine-conflict has persisted in the region, with drought conditions returning every few years since 2000. In 2006, drought affected 11 million people across the Horn of Africa, and the resulting crisis killed between 50,000 and 100,000 people and affected more than 13 million.

Forecasting and Measuring Drought

Even though scientists are unable to predict how long a drought will last or how severe it will be, early warning systems and  monitoring tools can  minimize  some of drought ’s damaging impacts. There are a number of tools used to monitor drought across the U.S. Due to the limitations of each system, data from different sources are often compiled to create a more comprehensive  forecast .

The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), developed in 1965 by the  National Weather Service , is the most commonly used drought monitor . It is a complex measurement system and an effective way to forecast long-term drought . Its limitations are that it does not provide early warnings for drought and is not as accurate for use in mountainous areas because it does not account for snow (only rain) as precipitation . The PDSI is often used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine when to begin providing drought relief.

Information from the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is often used to supplement the PDSI data . The SPI, developed in 1993, is less complex than the PDSI and only measures precipitation —not evaporation or water  runoff . Many scientists prefer using the SPI because the time period being analyzed can easily be  customized . The SPI can also identify droughts many months earlier than the PDSI. The National Drought Mitigation Center uses the SPI to monitor drought conditions around the U.S.

The U.S. Drought Monitor , started in 1999, is a joint effort between three U.S. government agencies—the Department of Agriculture , the Department of Commerce, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Monitor   synthesizes data from  academic  and federal scientists into a weekly map indicating levels of dryness around the country. It is designed to be a blend of science and art that can be used as a general summary of drought conditions around the country. It is not meant to be used as a drought predictor or for detailed information about specific areas.

The Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) monitors satellite data of crops and rainfall across Africa and some parts of Central America, the Middle East , and Central Asia. Analysis of the data allows for early intervention to try to prevent drought -induced famine .

Preparing for Drought

People and governments need to adopt new practices and policies to prepare as much as possible for inevitable future droughts . Emergency spending once a crisis has begun is less effective than money spent in preparation. The  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  estimates that every $1 spent in planning for a natural hazard will save $4 in the long term.

Many areas are extremely vulnerable to drought as people continue to be dependent on a steady supply of water. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends a series of  conservation  practices to help farmers prepare for drought . Some preventative measures include in stalling an  efficient   irrigation system that reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation , storing water in ditches along fields, regularly monitoring soil moisture, planting crops that are more drought -resistant, and rotating crops to allow water in the soil to increase.

In  urban areas , many cities are promoting water conservation by addressing water usage habits. Some enforce water restrictions, such as limiting days when lawns and plants can be watered, and offering free high-efficiency toilets and kitchen faucets.

Some drought-ravaged cities are taking even more extreme measures to prepare for future droughts. In Australia, the city of Perth is planning for a massive wastewater -recycling program that will eventually provide up to a quarter of the city’s water demands by 2060. Perth has been dealing with a decline in rainfall since the mid 1970s. The city, which is on the edge of a huge desert, is also struggling with its history of over-consumption of water. Water-hungry traditions such as planting large, lush lawns and parks will need to be addressed through conservation measures.

Drought in the USA In August 2012, drought conditions extended over 70 percent of the United States. Counties in 33 states were designated “disaster counties” by the government. In the beginning of 2013, drought still affected more than 60 percent of the country.

Dust Bowl John Steinbeck’s 1939 novel The Grapes of Wrath describes the Dust Bowl drought of the 1930s: “Every moving thing lifted the dust into the air: a walking man lifted a thin layer as high as his waist, and a wagon lifted the dust as high as the fence tops, and an automobile boiled a cloud behind it. The dust was long in setting back again.”

Yunnan Drought

The ongoing drought in Yunnan Province, China, has forced some families to transport water from more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) away.

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Essay on Drought for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Drought is a condition when there are no rains for a long period of time. The occurrence of drought is a common sight in many parts of the country. The consequences of this condition are drastic and many times irreversible. Drought is the condition when certain parts of the world are deprived of rain for months or at times the entire season. There are several reasons that cause drought-like situations in different parts and prove to be fatal.

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Long and Short Essay on Drought in English

Here are some short and long essays on Drought of varying lengths to help you with the topic. You can choose any drought essay given below:

Drought Essay – 1 (200 words)

Drought which is marked by the absence of or low rain in a particular region for a long period of time occurs because of various reasons including global warming, deforestation and many other human activities. This climatic condition can cause disastrous impact on the environment as well as the living beings. Some of the effects of drought include failure of crops, financial loss, price rise and soil degradation.

Several Indian states have been hit by drought leading to mass destruction of crops and disruption of the normal functioning of the society. Many parts have even witnessed famine leading to the death of several people due to starvation. Looking at the adversities faced by people in such areas, the government of India has come up with various drought relief plans however a lot more needs to be done to control this problem and deal with its after effects.

Some of the solutions suggested in this direction are rainwater harvesting, recycling and reuse of water, controlling deforestation, sea water desalination, cloud seeding, growing more plants and trees, stopping overall waste of water. However, most of these cannot be achieved if the general public does not support the cause. Each one should thus take it as a responsibility to contribute his/ her bit to curb the problem.

Drought Essay – 2 (300 words)

Drought, which results in the shortage of water, is mainly caused due to lack of rainfall. The situation is problematic and can prove to be fatal for those living in the drought-affected areas. It is particularly a curse for the farmers as it destroys their crops. Continuous drought-like situation also leads to the soil becoming less fertile.

Causes of Drought

There are various factors that lead to drought. Here is a look at these causes in detail:

• Deforestation

Deforestation is said to be one of the main causes of shortage of rainfall that leads to drought. Adequate amount of trees and vegetation is required on land to limit evaporation of water, store enough water on land and attract rainfall. Deforestation and construction of concrete buildings in their place has caused a major misbalance in the environment. It lowers the capacity of the soil to hold water and increases evaporation. Both these are a cause of low rainfall.

• Low Surface Water Flow

Rivers and lakes are the main sources of surface water in various regions around the world. In extreme summers or because of usage of surface water for various human activities, the water in these sources dries down leading to drought.

• Global Warming

The negative impact of global warming on the environment is known to all. Among other issues, the emission of greenhouse gases that results in the rise in earth’s temperature has resulted in the rise in evaporation. High temperature is also a cause of wildfires that worsens the drought-condition.

Apart from these, excessive irrigation is also one of the causes of drought as it drains the surface water.

Though the causes of drought are largely known and are mostly the result of misuse of water resources and other non-environmental friendly human activities, nothing much is being done to curb this problem. It is time the governments of various countries should join hands to overcome this global issue.

Drought Essay – 3 (400 words)

Drought occurs when a region receives no or less than the average amount of rainfall leading to water shortage, failure of crops and disruption of normal activities. Various factors such as global warming, deforestation and construction of buildings have given rise to drought.

Types of Droughts

While some areas are marked by complete absence of rain for a long period of time, others receive less than the average amount of precipitation, yet others might face drought for some part of the year – So the severity and type of drought varies from place to place and from time to time. Here is a look at the different types of droughts:

• Meteorological Drought

When there is a reduction in rainfall in a region for a particular period – it can be for few days, months, seasons or year – it is said to be hit by meteorological drought. In India an area is said to be hit by meteorological drought when the annual rainfall is 75% less than the average rainfall.

• Hydrological Drought

This is basically associated with the reduction in water. Hydrological droughts are often a result of two successive meteorological droughts. These are divided into two categories:

• Surface Water Drought
• Ground Water Drought
• Soil Moisture Drought

As the name suggests, this situation involves inadequate soil moisture that hinders crop growth. This is an outcome of meteorological drought as it leads to lower water supply to soil and greater water loss due to evaporation.

• Agricultural Drought

When the meteorological or hydrological droughts lead to negative impacts on the crop yield in a region, it is said to be hit by agricultural drought.

This is said to be the most severe drought situation. People in such regions do not get any access to food and there is mass starvation and devastation. The government needs to intervene in such a situation and food is supplied to these places from other places.

• Socio-Economic Drought

This situation occurs when there is a decrease in the availability of food and loss of income due to the failure of crop and the social security and access to food for the people in such areas is at risk.

Drought is a difficult situation to deal with especially if the severity is high. Several people are affected due to drought each year. While the occurrence of drought is a natural phenomenon, we can certainly reduce the human activities that lead to such a situation. Government must also come up with effective measures to deal with its after effects.

Drought Essay – 4 (500 words)

Drought, a condition that occurs due to no or very low rainfall, has been classified into different categories including meteorological drought, famine, socio-economic drought, hydrological drought and agricultural drought. Whatever be the type of drought, it disturbs the normal functioning of the regions affected.

Impacts of Drought

The regions hit by drought take a good amount of time to recover from the disaster caused, particularly if the severity of the drought is high. Drought disrupts the day-to-day lives of the people and has a widespread impact on various sectors. Here is how this natural disaster impacts the lives of the people living in the affected region:

• Agricultural Loss

A major impact occurs on the agriculture and other related sectors as these are directly dependent on the ground and surface water. Loss of crop yields, low rate of livestock production, rise in plant disease and wind erosion are some of the major impacts of drought.

• Financial Loss for Farmers

Farmers are worst effected by drought. The crops in the drought hit areas do not yield and the farmers whose sole income is generated through farming are worst affected by this situation. In an attempt to make their ends meet, many farmers end up in debt. The cases of farmer suicides due to such situation are also common.

• Wildlife at Risk

The cases of forest fires increase during droughts and this puts the wildlife population at high risk. Forests get burnt down and many wild animals end up losing life while others lose their shelter.

The prices of various cereals, fruits, vegetables rise because of low supply and high demand. The prices of food items such as jams, sauces and drinks that are produced from those particular fruits and vegetables also increase. In certain cases, goods are imported from other places to meet the demands of the people and hence the prices levied on the same are high. The retailers who offer goods and services to the farmers also face financial loss due to reduced business.

• Degradation of Soil

The soil loses moisture due to continuous drought and its quality degrades. It takes a lot of time for some areas to regain the ability to yield crops.

• Overall Impact on Environment

Damage is caused to various species of plants and animals, there is degradation of landscape quality and biodiversity is impacted. The quality of air and water is also affected due to drought. While some of these conditions are temporary others may last long and might even turn permanent.

• Public Safety at Stake

Lack of food and increased prices of different commodities may give rise to crimes such as theft and this can put public safety at stake. Conflict may also occur between water users thereby causing tension among general public.

Drought Prone Countries

Some of the countries that are more prone to drought include Albania, Afghanistan, Armenia, Bahrain, Northeast parts of Brazil, Burma, Cuba, Morocco, Iran, China, Bangladesh, Botswana, Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Drought is one of the most disastrous natural calamities. Famine, that is the most severe forms of drought, ends in major socio, economic and environmental loss for the regions affected.

Drought Essay – 5 (600 words)

Drought, a condition when certain regions are faced with scarcity of water due to low or no rainfall, has been the cause of several problems in India. There are many areas in the country that are hit by drought each year while others are faced with this condition occasionally. Drought is caused due to various factors such as deforestation, global warming and inadequate surface water and has severe impact on the lives of the people living in the affected areas as well as the general health of the environment.

Drought Prone Areas in India

Many regions in the country are hit by drought each year. Statistics reveal that approximately one-sixth of the total geographical area of the country that inhabits around 12% of the population is drought prone.

One of the most drought prone states in the country is Rajasthan. As many as eleven districts in this state are hit by drought. These regions receive scanty or no rainfall and have low level of ground water. Drought is also a common phenomenon in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Almost every district here is hit by drought each year.

Here is a look at some of the other regions in the country that face frequent drought:

• Saurashtra and Kutch, Gujarat
• Coimbatore in Kerala
• Mirzapur Plateau and Palamu, Uttar Pradesh
• Kalahandi, Orissa
• Purulia, West Bengal
• Tirunelveli District, South of Vaigai River, Tamil Nadu

Possible Solutions for Drought

• Rain Water Harvesting

This is the technique of collecting and storing rainwater in tanks and natural reservoirs to use it later. Rain water harvesting must be made mandatory for all. The idea behind this is to put the available water to use.

• Sea Water Desalination

Sea water desalination must be done so that the vast amount of water stored in the sea can be used for the purpose of irrigation and other agricultural activities. The government must make major investment in this direction.

• Recycle Water

Waste water must be purified and recycled for reuse. This can be done in many ways. Small steps such as installing rain barrel, collecting the waste water from RO systems, usage of shower buckets, saving water from washing veggies and creating rain garden can help in this direction. The water collected by these means can be used to water the plants.

• Cloud Seeding

Cloud seeding is done to modify weather. It is a way to increase the amount of precipitation. Potassium iodide, silver iodide and dry ice are some of the chemicals used for the purpose of cloud seeding. The government should invest in cloud seeding to avoid drought in the areas prone to this condition.

• Plant More Trees

Deforestation and the building of concrete structures is one of the causes of scanty rainfall. Efforts must be made to plant more trees. This simple step can change the climatic conditions and also bring about other positive changes in the environment.

• Water Usage

Each one should take it as a responsibility to stop the wastage of water so that there is availability of enough water even when during times of low rainfall. Government must take steps to keep a check on the usage of water.

• Campaigns must be Run

The government must run campaigns stating the benefits of rain water harvesting, planting more trees and other measures that the general public can take to fight drought. This is a good way to spread awareness and control the problem.

Though the government has put certain drought relief plans in place however these are not enough to overcome the drastic problem of drought. It is important to take strong steps to avoid this problem. Everyone should contribute their bit to control this problem.

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• Essay on Flood
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Drought Management and Its Impact on Public Water Systems: Report on a Colloquium Sponsored by the Water Science and Technology Board: Colloquium 1 of a Series (1986)

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Essay on Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience

Essay on Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience is one of the important essay topics as Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience is theme of World Environment Day 2024 . Lets see Essay on Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.

In an era marked by environmental degradation and climate change , the imperative to restore and conserve land, combat desertification, and enhance drought resilience has never been more pressing. Land restoration, the process of reversing the degradation of soils and ecosystems, holds the key to sustaining livelihoods, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Coupled with efforts to combat desertification and build resilience to drought, it forms a crucial pillar of global environmental sustainability initiatives.

Land Restoration:

Land restoration involves a range of practices aimed at rehabilitating degraded landscapes, revitalizing ecosystems, and improving soil health. Afforestation and reforestation efforts play a vital role in restoring degraded lands by enhancing carbon sequestration, preventing soil erosion, and providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna. Additionally, sustainable land management practices such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and watershed management promote soil conservation, water retention, and biodiversity conservation.

Furthermore, restoring degraded ecosystems through measures like wetland restoration, grassland rehabilitation, and mangrove reforestation not only enhances ecosystem services but also supports local communities' resilience to climate-related hazards such as floods and storms. By restoring the functionality of ecosystems, land restoration contributes to the conservation of biodiversity , the provision of clean water, and the mitigation of climate change impacts.

Desertification:

Desertification, the process by which fertile land becomes increasingly arid and degraded, poses significant challenges to human well-being, biodiversity, and ecosystem stability. It is often exacerbated by unsustainable land use practices, deforestation , overgrazing, and climate variability. Addressing desertification requires integrated approaches that combine sustainable land management, reforestation, soil conservation, and community engagement.

Efforts to combat desertification include the establishment of protected areas, the promotion of sustainable land management practices, and the implementation of reforestation and afforestation initiatives in arid and semi-arid regions. Sustainable land management practices such as agroforestry, terracing, and water harvesting help restore soil fertility, prevent erosion, and enhance water availability , thereby reversing the process of desertification.

Moreover, empowering local communities through capacity building, land tenure reforms, and participatory decision-making processes is essential for ensuring the sustainability of desertification mitigation efforts. By addressing the root causes of desertification and promoting ecosystem resilience, we can safeguard livelihoods, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in vulnerable dryland areas.

Drought Resilience:

Drought, a recurring natural phenomenon characterized by prolonged periods of low precipitation, poses significant challenges to agriculture, water security , and food production. Building resilience to drought involves a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures that enhance water efficiency, promote sustainable land management, and improve community resilience.

Investing in water-saving technologies such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture conservation helps improve water use efficiency and mitigate the impacts of drought on agricultural productivity. Additionally, promoting drought-resistant crop varieties, implementing agroforestry practices, and restoring degraded watersheds contribute to enhancing ecosystem resilience and reducing vulnerability to drought.

Furthermore, enhancing early warning systems, strengthening drought preparedness and response mechanisms, and providing social safety nets for vulnerable communities are essential components of drought resilience-building efforts. By adopting a holistic approach that integrates climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land management, and community-based adaptation strategies, we can enhance resilience to drought and ensure the well-being of communities in drought-prone regions.

Conclusion:

Land restoration, desertification mitigation, and drought resilience-building are integral components of global efforts to address environmental degradation, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development. By restoring degraded lands, combating desertification, and building resilience to drought, we can protect ecosystems, support livelihoods, and safeguard the well-being of present and future generations. It is imperative that governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector collaborate to implement integrated solutions that promote land restoration, prevent desertification, and enhance drought resilience, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

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The Impact of Droughts in South Africa Essay

On this page we will discuss about the Impact of droughts in South Africa essay: introduction, body, and conclusion guide. First of all, do you know that South Africa is currently going through a period of drought? This may somewhat puzzle most, as South Africa is also experiencing heavy rainfalls from November 2021 – February 2022. However the draught that is being referred to here is the draught taht started in 2018 and has affected, not only South Africa, but the Southern parts of Africa, such as: Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. The draught has been classified as level 2 Red-Class event.

The Impact of draughts in South Africa Essay Guide

When you an essay about draughts in South Africa, you should include all three sections of what every essay is made up of: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction (What you will be talking about)

The first paragraph of your draughts in South Africa essay needs to introduce your topic and provide direction for the entire essay. This is where you introduce the main key points of the essay.

According to ……. South Africa has been experiencing draughts since….. This has a negative impact on the South African fragile economy where unemployment is rife. This essay will be talking about the main impact of droughts in South Africa, focusing on the issues such as: a shortage of water, shortage of food, dying livestock, loss of jobs, etc…

The Body (Discussing all Keypoints in details)

The body of the essay will be made up of the key points you highlighted in your introduction. These key points should be discussed in detail (preferably a paragraph for each). So your main paragraphs will be made up of:

• shortage of water,
• shortage of food,
• dying livestock,
• loss of jobs
• and any related…

The Conclusion (Summary)

The conclusion will now summarise all the key points you discussed. After providing the summary, then you will have to make a point or a closure.

This essay has discussed and identified the following: a shortage of water is currently a crisis in South Africa and serious measures are needed as a matter of urgency, dying of livestock will not only harm the economy in the next decade but will immediately starve the communities, ………………(summarise all other key points in this manner).

Closure Statement: To combat the long-term effects and current challenges of draughts is not solely eh government responsibility, but communities’ responsibilities as a whole, including the private sector, households, and every individual.

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Drought — Drought In African Countries: Effects And Possible Solutions

Drought in African Countries: Effects and Possible Solutions

• Categories: Drought

About this sample

Words: 2320 |

12 min read

Published: Jun 9, 2021

Words: 2320 | Pages: 5 | 12 min read

Table of contents

Impact of drought in rural african communities, possible solutions in overcoming severe effects of droughts, works cited.

• Adelana, S. M., & MacDonald, A. M. (2008). Challenges to sustainable groundwater development in Africa. In Groundwater in the Celtic Regions: Studies in Hard Rock and Quaternary Hydrogeology (Vol. 324, pp. 111-118). Geological Society, London.
• Calow, R., MacDonald, A., & Nicol, A. (2010). Developing groundwater for secure rural water supplies in Africa. In Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Water Management (Vol. 163, No. 2, pp. 71-76). Thomas Telford Ltd.
• Devereux, S., & Maxwell, S. (2001). Food security in sub-Saharan Africa. ITDG Publishing.
• Lovell, C. (2000). Gender, rural livelihoods and household water security: Case studies from Zimbabwe and Lesotho. Progress in Development Studies, 2(4), 283-305.
• Overseas Development Institute. (2017). Water, livelihoods and resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. Retrieved from https://www.odi.org/publications/10826-water-livelihoods-and-resilience-sub-saharan-africa
• OCHA. (2004). Ethiopia: Food crisis and public health emergency. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
• ODI. (2017). Water and food security: Key lessons from a review of water-related interventions in development programming. Retrieved from https://www.odi.org/publications/10991-water-and-food-security-key-lessons-review-water-related-interventions-development-programming
• World Food Programme. (n.d.). Addressing water scarcity in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.wfp.org/news/addressing-water-scarcity-africa
• World Bank. (2018). Groundwater governance in Africa: A review of common challenges and best practices.
• Yatenga Documentation Centre. (n.d.). The story of Yatenga.

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