From Financialexpress · Anwesha Mitra · · 2m
India Drought Crisis Deepens
El Niño threatens India's water security as drought hits multiple states.
In brief
El Niño threatens India's water security as drought hits multiple states. India faces severe drought conditions with 52.5% of the country under dry or drought conditions due to weak monsoons and El Niño. Originally reported by Financialexpress.
Weakest Monsoon in Decade
India recorded a 13% monsoon rainfall deficit with summer monsoon rainfall at 759.4 mm, the fourth lowest since 2001.
El Niño Conditions Worsen
El Niño is expected to strengthen through 2026 and peak at nearly 4°C in December, causing extreme weather impacts.
Food Production Target Adjusted
The central government lowered food production targets to 373.93 million tonnes for 2026-27 amid drought conditions.
Karnataka Declares Drought
Karnataka became the first state to declare drought conditions affecting 101 taluks by August 27, with 217 taluks impacted by October 2.
Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh Drought
Maharashtra declared drought in 265 taluks on September 25, while Andhra Pradesh declared 388 mandals as drought-affected by October 2.
Government Drought Schemes
India has spent Rs 95,692.31 crore on drought proofing schemes including farm ponds, check dams, and protective tree plantations.
Groundwater Depletion Crisis
India extracts 247 billion cubic meters of groundwater annually, making it the world's largest consumer of groundwater.
Crop Water Usage
Agriculture accounts for up to 90% of India's water use, with rice, wheat and sugarcane taking almost 80% of irrigation water.
Drought Impact on Farmers
Farmers in drought-affected areas face crop failure, drinking water problems, and estimated crop losses of Rs 46,000 crores.
Water Conservation Efforts
Over 15 million groundwater recharge structures have been created under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative, exceeding targets by 50%.
Regional Water Stress
26% of groundwater blocks in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Puducherry are over-exploited.
Drought Conditions Spread
52.5% of India's land is under dry or drought conditions by mid-September 2026 due to El Niño and weak monsoons.
What to remember
India faces severe drought conditions with 52.5% of the country under dry or drought conditions due to weak monsoons and El Niño.
