Types of Droughts: India identifies meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural droughts.
Meteorological Drought: Defined by precipitation shortfall.
Hydrological Drought: Focused on low water supply in surface and sub-surface sources.
Agricultural Drought: Related to soil moisture deficits affecting vegetation.
2. Proposal for Ecological Drought Recognition
Concept: Acknowledging drought’s impact on ecosystems, not just water, crops, and humans.
Benefits: Holistic drought management, addressing human and ecosystem vulnerabilities.
3. Ecological Drought Challenges
Defining and Measuring: Metrics and monitoring methods are still evolving.
Limited Research in India: Studies on ecosystem impacts are sparse.
Policy Gaps: Current drought policies lack focus on ecological aspects.
4. Implications of Ecological Drought
Wider Impact: Ripple effects on communities depending on affected ecosystems.
Environmental and Wildlife Concerns: Loss of forest cover, wildlife migration, and man-animal conflicts.
5. Bridging the Gap
Valuing Ecosystem Services: Considering recovery and adaptation costs.
Data Uncertainties: Challenges in comprehending the full impact due to complex ecological systems.
6. Climate Change and Drought
Increasing Drought Area: A rise in drought-affected areas over the years.
Amrit Darohar Scheme: Focusing on wetland protection to buffer against droughts.
Conclusion:
Recognizing ecological droughts in India can lead to more comprehensive and effective drought management strategies, essential for adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.
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