Severe Rainfall Leads to Red Alerts in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat as the Monsoon Grows More Powerful
Heavy Rain and Floods Pummel India: A Test for the National Adaptation Plan
India is currently grappling with the impacts of heavy rain and flash floods across several states, prompting evacuations, rescue operations, and the deployment of emergency response teams. The southern state of Kerala has reported 10 fatalities and severe property losses, while Himachal Pradesh's Kullu and Mandi districts have experienced landslides, causing further devastation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat due to the imminent threat of heavy rain and flood risks. In East Rajasthan, extremely heavy rain is expected to continue through July 31. Madhya Pradesh's Susner district recorded 180 mm of rainfall in a single day, while Kerala has reported multiple landslides in Idukki and Wayanad districts since mid-July.
Farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are facing widespread crop damage due to the heavy rain, with potential losses of up to 20% in some regions. Moreover, health departments warn of a rise in cases of waterborne diseases, including cholera and dengue, due to the prolonged heavy rain.
Amidst this crisis, India's long-term climate adaptation policy, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), is being put to the test. The NAP, first introduced in 2018, aims to build resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate risks, including heavy rain and flash floods, by integrating climate adaptation into national development policies across sectors such as water resources, disaster management, agriculture, health, ecosystem & biodiversity, and forestry[1][2].
Key aspects related to heavy rain and flash flood risk mitigation in the NAP include a focus on disaster management, water resources management, and the integration of these efforts into financial and institutional frameworks. The plan emphasizes the importance of effective disaster management in response to climate change-triggered disasters like floods and heavy rainfall events[1].
Water resources management is another critical component of the NAP, with a focus on safeguarding against excess rainfall and floods[1]. Efforts are under way to classify and mobilize climate-resilient investments through tools such as green budgeting, climate finance taxonomy, and dedicated climate risk information systems by the Reserve Bank of India[4][5]. Some states, such as Odisha and Kerala, have started climate budget tagging to allocate resources specifically for adaptation and resilience projects relevant to their flood-prone regions[4].
India is also embedding a just transition approach in its long-term climate strategy to ensure that climate actions, including flood risk mitigation, are socially inclusive and equitable, involving financial scaling and institutional support beyond 2035 to sustain these efforts[3].
In summary, India's long-term adaptation policies to mitigate flood risks revolve around the nationwide National Adaptation Plan, supported by integrated disaster management, resource allocation reforms, and a systemic shift in climate finance and governance frameworks[1][2][4]. As the country continues to face the challenges posed by heavy rain and floods, the NAP will play a crucial role in building resilience and reducing vulnerability to these climate risks.
[1] National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for India - Overview and Key Priorities. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2023, from https://www.nap-india.gov.in/
[2] National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for India - Sectoral Priorities. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2023, from https://www.nap-india.gov.in/sectoral-priorities/
[3] Just Transition in India: A Review of Policies and Practices. (2021). Retrieved July 29, 2023, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350504499_Just_Transition_in_India_A_Review_of_Policies_and_Practices
[4] Green Budgeting in India: A Tool for Climate Resilience. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2023, from https://www.climate-finance.net/en/resources/green-budgeting-in-india-a-tool-for-climate-resilience/
[5] Climate Finance Taxonomy in India: A Step Towards Sustainable Development. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2023, from https://www.climate-finance.net/en/resources/climate-finance-taxonomy-in-india-a-step-towards-sustainable-development/
- The ongoing heavy rain and floods in India highlight the importance of environmental-science education, especially in understanding climate-change phenomena and disaster management.
- In the midst of car-accidents, fires, and other accidents that often dominate the general-news, this climate crisis serves as a stark reminder of the need for lifelong-learning and a commitment to learning more about our environment.
- Online-education platforms can facilitate discussions on these issues, providing a space for individuals to exchange ideas, share resources, and learn from experts in environmental-science and disaster management.
- As India's long-term climate adaptation policy, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), is being tested, it's essential to study its progress, especially in areas such as crime-and-justice, to ensure its implementation is equitable and socially inclusive.
- Sports, such as auto-racing, like the grand-prix, often receive significant weather-forecasting and weather-related coverage, highlighting the importance of this field in preparation for races and events.
- Weather-forecasting plays a crucial role in the mitigation of climate risks, such as heavy rain and floods, on and off the racetrack, demonstrating the interconnectedness of different sectors in addressing climate change.
- The NAP includes a focus on disaster management, water resources management, and the integration of these efforts into financial and institutional frameworks, reminding us of the connections between climate science, climate adaptation, and economic development.
- The use of tools such as green budgeting, climate finance taxonomy, and dedicated climate risk information systems by the Reserve Bank of India highlights the significant role finance and economics play in the fight against climate change.
- As India moves forward towards a more resilient future, it's important to recognize that science, education, and self-development are key components in the race towards a sustainable and climate-adapted society.
