Page 14 - Workshop on Reimagining Disaster Risk Reduction

Workshop on “Reimagining Disaster Risk Reduction: The Role
of Standardization and Innovative Technologies”

primary income source for 40% of the global population. Water scarcity leads to reduced crop
yields, increased crop stress, and soil degradation, while desertification further diminishes
arable land productivity. Other sectors impacted include manufacturing, public health, energy
production, tourism, and infrastructure, all of which face challenges from water scarcity and
poor water quality.
Desert environments pose unique challenges for the telecom sector, including monitoring and
maintenance difficulties due to dynamic sand dune loads, signal distortion from dust storms, and
equipment overheating from extreme heat. Geographic isolation and power outages further
complicate service reliability in these regions.

Through the presentation it was underscored that PwC is leveraging technology to assist clients
in mitigating the impacts of drought and desertification. For instance, they have conducted
water risk assessments for businesses, highlighting the potential water deficits in Maharashtra
due to rising temperatures. Additionally, they are utilizing space technology to assess telecom
infrastructure in harsh climates, enabling proactive risk management and ensuring reliable
communication services.
• Safi Ahsan Rizvi, IPS, Advisor (Mitigation), National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA)

Mr Safi Ahsan Rizvi presented activities of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
in the context of drought management. He highlighted that drought is a recurring hazard in
India, characterized as a slow-onset disaster that is difficult to predict. It poses serious economic
impacts and threatens livelihoods, leading to mass migration. Approximately 28% of India,
across 12 states, is considered drought-prone.

Between 1971 and 2023, there has been a notable increase in extreme rainfall events, with an
overall rise of 28% in such occurrences. Specifically, heavy rainfall events increased by 22%,
very heavy by 41%, and extremely heavy by 63%.

The NDMA has initiated a Drought Mitigation Programme with a budget of $300 million aimed
at 12 states. The program focuses on a landscape approach to water conservation, resilient
agricultural practices, and the diversification of production systems. It also emphasizes the need
for new technologies and improved forecasting system.

Key objectives of this Drought Mitigation Programme include:
• Enhance water conservation and efficiency.
• Promote resilient seeds and agricultural technologies.
• Develop long-term drought mitigation models.
• Diversify agricultural production systems.
• Create alternative livelihood opportunities.
• Increase the use of geo-spatial data for better crop and water management.
• Support off-farm activities like grain and agro-processing.

The programme aims to achieve measurable outcomes such as increased agricultural
productivity, reduced groundwater usage, higher crop production diversity, decreased distress
migration, improved water tables, and enhanced employment opportunities for farmers8.

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