Disaster Management · TEE · papers
Q5B · Discuss in detail the cause, effects and mitigation measures for Droughts.
2023-12-04 · Semester V final
Actual older TEE paper · 100 marks · Q1 compulsory; any four of Q2–Q7
Q5B. Discuss in detail the cause, effects and mitigation measures for Droughts. [10 marks]
Answer
Definition. Drought is an abnormal period of water deficiency relative to a region’s needs and usual conditions. It develops through rainfall, soil moisture, water storage and demand—not simply one hot day.
| Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Meteorological | Precipitation is substantially below the normal pattern over a relevant period. | A poor monsoon. |
| Agricultural | Soil moisture is insufficient for crop requirements at a growth stage. | A long dry spell during crop flowering. |
| Hydrological | Reduced streamflow, reservoir storage or groundwater. | Low reservoir levels after successive deficient seasons. |
| Socio-economic | Water shortage disrupts supply of goods or services relative to demand. | Insufficient water for drinking, irrigation and industry. |
Why impacts vary
Rainfall deficit is a trigger; high evaporation, water-intensive demand, depleted aquifers and poor storage can intensify shortages. Rain-fed farmers, livestock-dependent households and people with limited savings may be especially vulnerable. Agricultural drought can develop before large reservoirs become depleted; hydrological impacts can persist after rainfall improves.
- Conserve rainfall and restore watersheds. Use suitable rainwater harvesting, contour measures and recharge work. Site-specific geology and maintenance determine whether water can be stored or recharge groundwater effectively.
- Use water efficiently. Repair leaks, use appropriate irrigation scheduling and adopt efficient systems where suitable. Saving water at one point should be reflected in an overall water budget rather than expansion that cancels the saving.
- Plan crops and livelihoods. Choose crops and sowing decisions suited to local water availability; diversify income where feasible. This reduces dependence on a single water-intensive crop or season.
- Monitor shortages and manage demand. Track rainfall deficits, soil moisture, reservoir levels and groundwater. Prioritise drinking water, protect essential services and agree fair allocation before supplies become critical.
- Prepare community support. Communicate advisories, arrange safe emergency drinking-water supply and fodder, and support vulnerable livelihoods. Emergency relief addresses immediate suffering while long-term measures reduce the next drought’s impacts.