Kerala's Alappuzha among 11 places at 'very high' risk for both floods and droughts: IIT study

A climate risk assessment report by IIT Guwahati and IIT Mandi, in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), has flagged 11 Indian districts, including Patna (Bihar), Alappuzha (Kerala), and Kendrapara (Odisha), as being at "very high" risk for both floods and droughts. 

The report highlights the urgent need for immediate intervention to address these dual vulnerabilities.

The report, titled "District-Level Climate Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Risks Using IPCC Framework," evaluates risks across over 600 districts in India. Key findings include:

Flood Risks

* 51 districts face "very high" flood risk.

* 118 districts are categorised as "high" flood risk.

* Vulnerable states include Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Drought Risks

* 91 districts are identified with "very high" drought risk.

* 188 districts face "high" drought risk, with Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra being the most affected.

Dual Vulnerabilities:

11 districts, including Patna, Alappuzha, and Kendrapara, are at "very high" risk for both floods and droughts, underlining the need for urgent, multi-faceted intervention.

Experts Call for Urgent Action

The report underscores the challenges posed by climate change, particularly for India's agrarian society, which remains heavily reliant on the monsoon. Speaking about the findings, IIT Guwahati Director Devendra Jalihal said,

"India's agrarian society is deeply dependent on the monsoon, making the challenges posed by climate change, such as droughts and excessive rainfall, increasingly critical. This report offers invaluable insights for effective mitigation strategies."

Anita Gupta, head of scientific divisions in the Department of Science and Technology, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating:

"Climate change impacts every aspect of life, from agriculture to livelihoods. This report is a significant step in identifying vulnerabilities and assessing risks faced by local communities."

She further called for translating these findings into actionable strategies, adding: "This is just the beginning, as India moves forward with a balanced adaptation and mitigation strategy to achieve a cleaner, greener, and climate-resilient future. Together, we will fast-track our goals for a Viksit Bharat and a Net Zero Bharat by 2047."

The study integrates climatic hazards, exposure, and vulnerability, offering a comprehensive view of district-level risks to aid disaster risk reduction. By focusing on data-driven adaptation planning, the report aims to inform stakeholders at both national and state levels, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future.

PTI