3 days ago
Delayed action on climate change can pose dire threat to MP, warns IISER-MANIT study
Bhopal: A ground-breaking study by researchers of IISER & MANIT has stressed that the state faces a crisis due to climate change, as signalled by extreme weather conditions in MP, and delayed action could pose existential risks to water availability, farming and rural well-being in several parts.
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The study was published in Theoretical and Applied Climatology Journal and it warns of rising Compound Dry and Hot Events (CDHEs) in Madhya Pradesh (MP) due to climate change.
The research was conducted by Dr Somil Swarnkar from IISER Bhopal's department of earth and environmental sciences and Dr Vikas Poonia from MANIT Bhopal's centre of excellence in water management.
The simultaneous occurrence of heatwaves and droughts, known as CDHEs, poses significant risks to water availability, agricultural production, and community welfare.
"Analysis of weather data spanning 1958 to 2022 reveals a notable increase in extreme weather incidents, particularly since 1990," said Dr Swarnakar.
Northern regions including Bhind, Morena, and Gwalior, alongside eastern districts such as Sidhi, Shahdol, and Satna, face the greatest impact. "These areas recorded reduced monsoon precipitation and elevated temperatures throughout the year," said Dr Poonia.
Post-1990 data indicates heightened CDHE occurrence in these zones, with Sidhi experiencing the most severe effects, followed by Shahdol and Satna.
The agricultural economy of MP faces particular vulnerability to these combined weather pressures.
Researchers employed traditional climate measurements including the Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardised Temperature Index (STI), alongside the novel LMFDH metric, revealing increased correlation between temperature extremes and rainfall deficits.
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The researchers advocate implementing Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), encompassing rainwater collection, groundwater replenishment, and efficient irrigation techniques.
Agricultural adaptations should include drought-resistant crops and agroforestry practices. Additional recommendations include early warning systems and income diversification through alternative activities. The findings emphasise the necessity for immediate policy intervention, particularly in vulnerable districts. Essential support measures include agricultural insurance, financial assistance, and community education programmes.
The study suggests that delayed action could seriously impact farming sustainability and rural prosperity.
