In recent years, India has been grappling with an upsurge in extreme weather events, ranging from intense heatwaves to unprecedented rainfall leading to floods. Such phenomena not only disrupt daily life but also pose substantial threats to agriculture, economy, and biodiversity. Ex-Extreme weather related events caused 573 disasters in India between 1970 and 2021 that claimed 1,38,377 lives.

Factors Contributing to Increased Extreme Weather Events in India

• Global Warming: Rising average global temperatures, attributed to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, have been triggering heatwaves and altering rainfall patterns in India. For instance, India experienced temperatures reaching up to 50°C in some parts during summers.
• Deforestation: For example, the loss of forest cover in the Himalayan region has increased the risk of landslides and flash floods. Similarly, the destruction of mangrove forests along the coastlines has reduced the natural protection against cyclones and storm surges.
• Ocean-Atmospheric Phenomena: Anomalies in phenomena like El Niño which is a periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean that affects rainfall distribution across the globe. Eg: in 2015-16, India faced one of its worst droughts in decades due to a strong El Niño event.
• Land Use Changes: Alteration in land use for activities such as mining affects the natural climate regulating mechanisms of the environment. Eg: coal mining in Jharkhand has led to land degradation, water contamination, and GHGs, which can affect the local and regional climate.
• Melting Glaciers: Due to rising temperatures, glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate, threatening the water security and livelihoods of millions of people downstream. Eg: in 2013, a massive flood triggered by a glacial lake outburst killed thousands of people in Uttarakhand.
• Wetland Degradation: The destruction of wetlands, which act as buffers during floods, have left regions more vulnerable to extreme rainfall events. Eg: Chennai faced severe flooding in 2015 due to the encroachment and conversion of wetlands into residential and commercial areas.
• Loss of Biodiversity: It can reduce the ecosystem’s resilience to extreme weather events, making recovery from such events more difficult. Eg: a study found that the loss of coral reefs due to bleaching and disease reduced the coastal protection and fishery productivity in Lakshadweep.

Way Ahead

• Mitigation Strategies: India can take inspiration from the success of the National Solar Mission, which set ambitious targets for solar energy capacity. Eg: The “Ujjwala Yojana” is a model for extending the reach of clean cooking fuels, reducing reliance on polluting alternatives.
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Learning from the Surat Climate Adaptation Project, which strengthened the city’s infrastructure against flooding, other vulnerable regions can invest in similar measures.
• Early Warning Systems: India’s Cyclone Warning Division’s accurate predictions and timely evacuations, as seen during Cyclone Phailin in 2013, exemplify the importance of early warning systems. Expanding such capabilities to various extreme weather events is essential.
• Sustainable Urban Planning: For instance, Ahmedabad’s “Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project” showcases the integration of green spaces within urban planning. The project not only beautifies the city but also enhances resilience against floods and heatwaves.
• Reforestation: The success of the “Billion Tree Tsunami” project by UNEP demonstrates the potential of large-scale reforestation efforts. India can implement similar projects, focusing on native tree species, to restore ecological balance.
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: The “Zero Budget Natural Farming” model, popularized by Subhash Palekar, emphasizes chemical-free, climate-resilient farming practices. Widespread adoption of such practices can transform Indian agriculture.
• Conservation of Wetlands: Chilika Lake in Odisha, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, showcases how wetland conservation can coexist with sustainable tourism, benefiting both biodiversity and local economies.
• Community Awareness: The “Chipko Movement” in Uttarakhand, where villagers hugged trees to protect them from deforestation, remains an iconic example of grassroots environmental awareness and activism.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Other states can learn from the success of the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala, where local communities participate in conservation efforts and ecotourism, highlighting the potential of community-led biodiversity conservation.

Going ahead, by understanding and adapting to these extreme weather events, India can not only safeguard its populace but also nurture a harmonious relationship with its diverse and rich environmental heritage. This journey would be a testimony to the synergic coexistence of development and nature, treading a path of resilience and sustainable growth.

The Indian drainage system is characterized by a complex network of rivers, lakes, and other water bodies that play a crucial role in shaping the country’s geography and supporting its agriculture and economy. However, it is divided into northern and southern river systems that share similarities in their fundamental importance for agriculture, transportation, and ecological diversity. Despite these commonalities, northern and southern river systems possess distinct characteristics, as provided below:

In the intricate tapestry of India’s rivers, the distinctions that mark the northern and southern regions form a dynamic symphony of nature’s diversity. These distinctions, rooted in geography, origin, flow patterns, and ecological characteristics, weave a complex narrative that influences our nation’s landscape, economy, and culture. By embracing the uniqueness of each river system, we can pave the way for sustainable development, equitable water-sharing agreements, and the preservation of our natural heritage.