5. (d) Describe the area-specific strategies for the development of drought-prone areas in India. (PYQ/2024)

Answer:

Introduction

Drought‐prone areas in India—such as regions in Bundelkhand, Marathwada, and parts of Rajasthan—suffer from low and erratic rainfall (often below 750–1000 mm annually) and poor water availability, which severely impact agriculture and livelihoods. In response, the government and development agencies have introduced area-specific strategies that integrate advanced locational analysis, innovative water management, and sustainable agricultural practices. This discussion explores the transitional frameworks used to understand and address these challenges.

Models

Locational Analysis Models

• GIS-Based Spatial Analysis: Modern Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are employed to map drought vulnerability. By integrating satellite imagery, rainfall data, and soil moisture levels, planners can delineate drought‐prone zones with high precision. This approach enables quantitative analysis of water deficits and helps prioritize regions for intervention. Keyword: Spatial Diffusion Model Source: India Meteorological Department (IMD) Reports; Testbook.com (2023).
• Water Budget Models: These models quantify the balance between water inputs (e.g., rainfall) and losses (e.g., evapotranspiration). They are crucial for simulating various scenarios—for instance, the impact of check dam construction or micro-irrigation on groundwater recharge.

Theories

Key Theoretical Frameworks

• Diffusion of Innovations (Everett Rogers): Rogers’ model explains how innovative water-saving technologies (such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting) spread among farming communities. Key attributes like relative advantage and observability accelerate adoption in drought-prone areas. Theorist: Everett Rogers Keyword: Innovation Diffusion
• Ostrom’s Common Pool Resource Theory (Elinor Ostrom): Ostrom’s framework emphasizes the governance of shared resources like water. Effective community management, when coupled with institutional support, can prevent the over-extraction of groundwater in drought-prone regions. Theorist: Elinor Ostrom Keyword: Common Pool Resource Management

Laws

Legal and Policy Frameworks

• Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP): Initiated during the Fourth Five-Year Plan, DPAP focuses on water harvesting, soil conservation, and afforestation in drought-affected regions. It seeks to generate employment and develop productive assets alongside sustainable water management. Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India; GeeksforGeeks (2024).
• National Water Policy (2012): This policy emphasizes the sustainable and efficient utilization of water resources and calls for integrated watershed development in arid and semi-arid areas. Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.

Perspectives

Integrated Perspectives

• Sustainable Development Perspective (Brundtland Commission): Emphasizes meeting the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations. This outlook supports area-specific strategies that integrate rainwater harvesting, reforestation, and micro-irrigation, ensuring long-term water security. Keyword: Long-term Sustainability
• Political Ecology Perspective (Rob Nixon): Highlights that strategy design must consider power relations and resource allocation. It underscores that state and market interventions must be balanced with community participation for equitable development. Theorist: Rob Nixon Keyword: Equitable Resource Distribution

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Bundelkhand Region (Madhya Pradesh/UP)

• Overview: Bundelkhand is one of the most drought-prone regions in India, receiving less than 750 mm of rainfall annually.
• Strategies: Integrated watershed development projects and the construction of check dams have been initiated to improve water availability.
• Statistics: Reports suggest that targeted interventions here have reduced water deficit by up to 20% in pilot areas. Source: Testbook.com; Economic Survey of India (2022).

Case Study 2: Marathwada Region (Maharashtra)

• Overview: Marathwada faces chronic drought conditions with average annual rainfall around 750–1000 mm.
• Strategies: Adoption of micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil conservation techniques has been promoted alongside improvements in rural infrastructure.
• Statistics: Data indicate that such interventions have increased groundwater levels and improved crop yields by 15–20% in certain districts. Source: Ministry of Agriculture; NITI Aayog Reports (2023).

Conclusion

Area-specific strategies for the development of drought-prone areas in India rely on an integrated approach combining locational analysis models, robust theories of innovation and resource management, supportive legal frameworks, and diverse development perspectives. The case studies from Bundelkhand and Marathwada underscore how targeted interventions can mitigate water scarcity, enhance agricultural productivity, and support sustainable rural development.