Declaring Drought Comes With Conditions

Hyderabad: Telangana, at least parts of it, may be heading into an official drought, but one of the criterion for declaring drought – no rain, or no significant rainfall, for 21 days in a row – is making difficult the process of drawing up a list. This rainfall criterion is one of the several that are required for declaration of drought.

Declaring drought is based on several factors such as a mandatory one based on rainfall, and two impact conditions which include extended dry spells, 50 per cent reduction in cropped area, or a 50 per cent reduction in crop yield. This year, there has not been a significant drop in the areas under principal crops. Since the harvest is still way away, the question of yield would become premature but estimates could be prepared based on the stress levels crops may be experiencing in various parts of the states. This leaves rainfall criteria on which drought could be declared, but that too is not as straightforward as it seems.

For instance, in areas where 1,000 mm rainfall is normal, the deficit should be at least 25 per cent; in areas between 750mm and 999 mm of rain the deficit needs to be 20 per cent; where normal rain is less than 750 mm the deficiency should be at least 15 per cent. While rainfall deficits are easier to deal with, the other criteria – that of a prolonged dry spell – has become some cause for concern in declaring drought.

“The state has been seeing on and off rains, and most mandals did get some showers, even if intermittently. We are gathering data on all aspects, and decision could be made soon,” a government official said.

When drought is declared

Farmers can receive financial compensation and input subsidies for crop losses incurred due to delayed monsoons or dry spells.

Farmers in distressed mandals may get to reschedule crop loans repayments.

Government to ensure safe drinking water supply to rural and urban households, especially where local water bodies and groundwater are depleted.

Can result in aid from the Central government from the National Disaster Response Fund.