Ulaanbaatar: India has called for a fundamental change in how the world responds to drought, advocating a shift from reactive relief and crisis management to preparedness, prevention and long-term resilience.
Addressing the Ministerial Dialogue on ‘Accelerating Drought Resilience’ at the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP17) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said drought is increasingly affecting water security, food systems, biodiversity and economic stability.
From Early Warning to Community Resilience
The Minister said drought should be approached as a predictable and preventable risk rather than a recurring disaster requiring emergency intervention.
“Drought must be managed as a predictable, preventable risk, and not a recurring disaster demanding emergency response.”
Yadav highlighted India’s multi-institutional approach, which combines early warning, mitigation, relief and community-level resilience.
Rainfall monitoring and satellite-based drought assessments are used to support preparedness at the inter-ministerial and state levels.
The approach focuses on:
- Early identification of drought conditions.
- Coordinated preparedness at the Centre and state levels.
- Satellite-based drought assessment.
- Water conservation and harvesting.
- Groundwater recharge.
- Ecosystem and landscape restoration.
- Climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- Community participation and livelihood diversification.
‘Restore the Forest, Before the Flow’
Highlighting the connection between land, forests and water security, the Minister said, “restore the forest, before the flow”, emphasising the role of catchment and riverscape forestry.
India’s approach includes:
- Restoration of catchments and riverscapes.
- River rejuvenation.
- Revival of traditional water bodies.
- Measures to reduce soil erosion.
- Improving water retention and groundwater recharge.
These interventions form part of a broader effort to strengthen water availability and resilience in drought-prone areas.
Watershed Development and Spring Restoration
The Minister also highlighted landscape-specific measures being undertaken in different parts of India.
In hilly areas, community-led restoration of springs and recharge zones is being pursued. In the plains, a pan-India watershed programme addresses degraded rainfed land through a ridge-to-valley approach.
The watershed approach is supported by community institutions and convergence with rural employment programmes.
Protecting Farmers During Drought
Agricultural resilience is another component of India’s drought-management approach.
Yadav highlighted crop insurance as a mechanism to protect farmers against drought and other non-preventable crop losses across the crop cycle.
The approach combines:
- Subsidised insurance premiums.
- Technology-based crop-loss assessment.
- Faster claim settlement.
- Climate-resilient crops.
- Water-management measures.
The Minister also stressed that livelihood diversification and community capacity-building are important for reducing vulnerability during periods of water stress.
Drinking Water and Emergency Support
At the household level, drinking-water programmes aim to maintain reliable supplies during periods of stress.
The measures highlighted at the dialogue include:
- Assured drinking-water service levels.
- Local water-quality testing.
- Prioritisation of vulnerable areas.
- Emergency water supplies when required.
- Fodder support during drought conditions.
- Employment guarantees and disaster-related financial support.
India Seeks Stronger Global Drought Action
Yadav called for greater international investment in measures that can reduce drought vulnerability before a crisis develops.
India’s priorities include:
- Stronger early-warning systems
- Greater investment in ecosystem restoration
- Improved drought preparedness
- Coordinated international action
- Community participation in resilience-building
- Sharing knowledge and technical capacities
Reiterating India’s position at the UNCCD CoP17, Yadav said:
“Preparedness over response, prevention over crisis management, resilience over recovery should be the goal.”
He further said building drought resilience is a matter of survival for vulnerable populations and affirmed India’s willingness to share its experience and capacities, including in early-warning systems, to support global efforts towards a drought-resilient future.
