107. Role of Irrigation in Drought Proofing in India

Every year, more than twenty natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, droughts, cyclones, etc., befall throughout the globe. Floods and droughts are water-related hazards which play havoc with human and animal lives and property and impede many developmental projects escalating their cost and large resources are needed for recovery and relief. It has been estimated that about one-sixth (nearly 16%) area of the country is prone to droughts. Drought-prone areas need to be made less vulnerable to drought-associated problems through soil-moisture conservation measures, water harvesting practices, minimisation of evaporation losses, development of the ground water potential including recharging and the transfer of surface water from surplus areas where feasible and appropriate. Pastures, forestry or othe rmodes of development which are relatively less waterdemanding needs to be encouraged. In planning water resource development projects, the needs of drought-prone areas should be given priority. Water should be made available to water short areas by transfer from other areas including transfers from river basins to another, based on a national perspective. Drought is perennial feature in some states of India and approximately 50 million people are annually affected by droughts. Agriculture continues to be main source of livelihood in the country and hence, water resources development and irrigation have been the main strategies used in India for drought management. The water resources development is a necessary precondition to cushion the impact of drought. Planning and creation of surface storage for irrigation is very essential for drought mitigation particularly in the regions depending on rainfall. The contingency crop planning as the major drought management component is a milestone in the drought management history of India. The Central Government has played a catalytic role in incorporating these developments. Drought is a slow onset natural hazard and it offers time and opportunity to mitigate its impact. Initial approach of dealing with ultimate consequences of the drought thus preventing the famine conditions through relief has now moved to drought management strategies encompassing in itself the early warning system and crop stabilization strategies.