The Maharashtra government recently declared a drought for the year 2023 in various parts of the state, citing insufficient rainfall as a key factor. The move was initiated based on specific index factors and guidelines outlined in the ‘Drought Management Manual-2016’ published by the Union government. This declaration came in response to concerns raised by various quarters regarding the impact of the drought.
The drought declaration process involved assessing several critical factors, with no human intervention in the decision-making process. The parameters used in the 2023 declaration were consistent with those employed in 2018, emphasizing the scientific approach to this decision.
On October 31, the government declared a drought in 40 tehsils spread across 15 districts, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Factors Considered in the ‘Drought’ Declaration
The declaration of a ‘drought’ is not a casual decision but relies on scientific indicators and data collected through rigorous processes. The Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) in Nagpur played a vital role in conducting surveys and gathering essential data.
Key factors considered in this declaration included:
- Scarcity of Rainfall: The amount of rainfall received during the June-September period was a critical factor in assessing drought conditions.
- Paucity of Available Groundwater: The availability of groundwater resources, or the lack thereof, was another crucial consideration.
- Vegetation Index: The health and vitality of local vegetation played a role in determining drought conditions.
- Moisture of Soil: The moisture content of the soil was examined to gauge the impact on agricultural activities.
- Area under Sowing and Crop Condition: The extent of land used for cultivation and the condition of crops were also taken into account.
Severity of Drought
Based on the above factors, the state government classified the affected talukas into two categories:
- Severe Drought: 24 talukas were deemed to be severely affected by the drought.
- Moderate Drought: 16 talukas experienced a moderate level of drought.
The state cabinet has directed the Minister for Relief, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management to convene a meeting of the sub-committee formed under his chairmanship. This meeting aims to assess the impact of insufficient rainfall in other talukas and make decisions concerning potential drought-like situations. The ultimate goal is to provide essential facilities and support to the affected areas, ensuring relief for the communities impacted by this challenging situation.
