Introduction
Climate change poses significant challenges for Uttar Pradesh, impacting agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods, particularly for small farmers. The state faces issues like drought, crop and livestock losses, and changing land use patterns due to urbanization. The rise in anthropogenic gases worsens climate change, affecting crop productivity and food security. India’s agrarian economy, with a large population engaged in agriculture, is vulnerable. Adaptation measures are limited for small farmers, leading to decreased food availability. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure sustainable development in the face of climate change.
Critical Issues related to Climate change
Uttar Pradesh, with its abundant rivers, fertile soil, and favorable climate, is densely populated. However, it grapples with the consequences of climate change, including droughts, floods, water scarcity, pollution, and reduced agricultural productivity, highlighting the need for attention to natural and scientific realities.
Effect on agricultural productivity
Uttar Pradesh, with its 9 distinct agro-climatic zones, boasts surplus cereals, vegetables, and fruits per capita, exceeding dietary recommendations. However, it faces challenges in nutritious foods like pulses and milk. About 6.6 million hectares of food grain crop area out of 19.8 million hectares face production losses, urging the need for food security strategies. The state is agrarian, cultivating major crops like paddy, wheat, sugarcane, and exports items like potatoes, rice, and mangoes. Climate change affects crop yield; rising temperatures impact paddy yield by 1.0 to 1.1%, while low temperatures reduce rice yield by 1.5 to 1.9% per hectare in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Future rainfall patterns, especially the southwest monsoons, will significantly influence rice yield.
Drought
The Bundelkhand region in Uttar Pradesh spans 48 blocks across 7 districts, covering 2.94 million hectares or 12.21% of the state’s area. Despite its size, it is the poorest region in terms of economic aspects and infrastructural development, with only 4.96% of the state’s population residing here, setting it apart from the wealthier eastern, central, and western regions.
| Area | Hamirpur | Jhansi | Banda |
| Average Annual Rainfall (mm) | 621.59 | 831.34 | 889.64 |
| Drought Years | 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1994, 2001, 2002 | 1979, 1986, 1996, 1998, 2005, 2006 | 1979, 1981, 1984, 1998, 2007, 2009 |
| Metrological drought year observed from 1975 to 2010 at Bundelkhand-UP | |||
Prolonged dry and warm seasons create drought-like conditions, transforming fertile lands into barren patches. Climate change, coupled with minimal rainfall, has affected Gangetic plain in Uttar Pradesh and fertile areas in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. The World Bank’s report warns of a potential water crisis in India over the next two decades due to inadequate water supplies and mismanagement of groundwater resources. Uttar Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region is consistently drought-prone with insufficient rainfall.
Flooding
Floods, a common natural hazard, inflict significant damage to the environment, property, and society, causing loss of life, injuries, and homelessness. While floods cause less property damage compared to earthquakes and cyclones, they severely impact agriculture, leading to economic losses. Uttar Pradesh, alongside Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Orissa, faces frequent flooding, especially in the eastern regions along rivers like Kuwana, Great Gandak, Ghaghara, Chhoti Gandak, and Rapti. Factors such as snow melt, poor drainage, high rainfall, and dam failures contribute to flooding. Eastern districts of Uttar Pradesh are particularly vulnerable, with an estimated annual economic loss of around 432 crore rupees due to floods.
Water quality degradation & downfall in water level
Rivers play a vital role as freshwater sources in Uttar Pradesh, but pollution and population growth have significantly degraded their quality. The state’s socio-economic development relies heavily on water resources, particularly groundwater. Unfortunately, pollution from insufficient sewage and industrial effluent treatments has harmed water quality. Immediate action is imperative: Uttar Pradesh must establish dedicated governmental bodies to oversee water supply, quality monitoring, and ecosystem preservation. With 628 municipalities, the state requires comprehensive water management and conservation plans. Collaborating with organizations like the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) can provide valuable expertise. Clean water is essential for life, agriculture, industry, and households. Meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6, focusing on water quality enhancement and pollution reduction by 2030, demands effective waste management and community involvement, aligning with United Nations objectives.
Generation of Industrial Waste
The expansion of industries in Uttar Pradesh has led to a significant increase in wastewater generation. Due to the absence of proper effluent treatment plants and inadequate disposal methods, industrial wastewater containing toxic substances has severely impacted the surrounding ecosystem. This harmful practice has devastating effects on agroecological conditions, contaminating agricultural crops and posing health risks to humans. Moreover, direct disposal of industrial wastewater into water bodies disrupts aquatic ecosystems in an adverse manner.
Emission of air pollutants
The expansion of industrial activities, thermal power plants, and the transport sector in Uttar Pradesh has led to a significant increase in the emission of air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and suspended particulate matter. This extensive emission has deteriorated the quality of the surrounding ambient air, surpassing the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board of India. The elevated levels of air pollution have resulted in substantial losses in agricultural productivity. The extent of these losses depends on factors like pollutant concentration, duration of exposure, climatic conditions, and plant species. These pollutants visibly and invisibly harm plants, leading to reduced crop productivity.
E-Waste generation
India faces a significant challenge in managing e-waste, ranking among the world’s largest producers. The global e-waste monitor 2020 report highlighted a staggering 53.6 million tons of e-waste discarded globally, with only 17.4% recycled. China led with 10.1 million tons, followed by the United States with 6.9 million tons, and India at third place with 3.2 million tons. Together, these countries contributed to 38% of the world’s e-waste. Surprisingly, the Indian government has not disclosed official data on e-waste generation. Moradabad city in Uttar Pradesh gained attention when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed fines on the district magistrate and state pollution control board for improper disposal of black powder waste along the Ramganga River.
Spread of Epidemics
Epidemic outbreaks are common in Uttar Pradesh, particularly from July to November during the rainy season. Diseases like dengue, malaria, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, fluorosis, and hepatitis B spread, mainly impacting eastern districts such as Faizabad, Siddharth Nagar, Maharajganj, Azamgarh, and Gorakhpur. Factors contributing to these outbreaks include rapid population growth, inadequate healthcare facilities, changes in agricultural practices and land use, social and demographic shifts, failure of public health schemes, natural disasters, and climate change effects on biodiversity. From 2005 to 2018, Uttar Pradesh reported 47,507 cases of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) with varying fatality rates, reaching the highest in 2005 (24.76%) and the lowest in 2018 (8%). Among AES patients, 9.98% were Japanese encephalitis cases. Strengthening secondary and tertiary care services in district hospitals and medical colleges, both in the public and private sectors, is crucial in the affected eastern districts like Deoria, Gorakhpur, Pilibhit, Azamgarh, Ballia, and Kheri.
Emerging Options ahead in Uttar Pradesh
To combat climate change challenges, Uttar Pradesh can:
- Reduce Greenhouse Gases: Launch afforestation drives to decrease CO2 levels. Adhere to international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol, setting emission limits and encouraging carbon credit trading.
- Promote Sustainable Development in Drought-Prone Areas: Evaluate rainfall deficits in regions like Bundelkhand. Years with less than 75% of the mean (e.g., 2000, 2002, 2004) are identified as drought years. Implement sustainable practices in these areas to address agricultural drought.
Remedial measures can be adopted for overcoming drought-
- By Recharging aquifers- Under this process excess surface water is lead to the ground by three methods – (i) by surface spread, (ii) by means of recharge wells, (iii) to replenish an aquifer making changes in natural conditions for more penetration. This is a method to store surplus water in an underground level and making use of that during shortage of water. Uttar Pradesh government has announced policy for ground water management, harvesting of rain water and recharge of ground water. the prime objective of this policy is to regulate ground water exploitation and to promote optimum use of ground water on sustainable basis.
- Harvesting of Rainwater- it is a method used for the collection and storage of rainwater drops into natural water bodies, reservoirs or tanks, in other words it is the infiltration of surface water into the sub surface aquifers. Roof top harvesting is the one type of rain water harvesting. Rain water pouring down on roof top is intercepted and allowed to run into the pit and it recharges the underground water and that stored water can also be used for drinking purposes, gardening, livestock rearing, irrigation of agricultural lands etc. with the large scale efforts of rain water harvesting method is implemented effectively then local water bodies can be recharged, flooding of urban areas can be controlled and problem of water scarcity of dry regions can also be solved. In Uttar Pradesh dry regions of Bundelkhand and Vindhyans face problem of water scarcity because of low ground water availability. Approximately 63 blocks of the region are drought prone. The problem of ground water contamination and pollution is very common in Uttar Pradesh. Quality wise and quality wise ground water level in Uttar Pradesh is under critical state. It is the need of the hour that Uttar Pradesh government should formulate area specific guidelines, technical specifications and practice suitable for the area so that rain water harvesting can be promoted in drought prone regions and ground water level can be recharged.
- Flood District Management- in India along with Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Orissa Uttar Pradesh is one of the flood states. In the recent past Uttar Pradesh has faced large scale flooding in the year 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2008, and about 30 districts in Uttar Pradesh are prone to flood. Eastern region of Uttar Pradesh faces frequent challenge of flood and it is the outcome of spilling of rivers like kuwana, chhoti Gandak, rapti, great Gandak and Ghaghara. Geomorphology sedimentology and flood characteristics are found in Ganga Plain Rivers like Ganga, Sarda and Gandak. In the upper catchment of flood prone rivers UP Government must focus on structural conservation of soil and afforestation measures. For the development of these areas emphasis should be on utmost utilization of water resources available and suitable cropping patterns are introduced. To regulate devastative and destructive strength of flashing floods number of small flood retention reservoirs of appropriate capacity should be build on or near each river. Severity of flood destruction increases with the population rise as natural route of the river is encroached by houses, factories and other constructions as well as enhanced human activities in the river basin and river valley has become major challenge. The river system has been changed/altered because of rapid rise in the density of population and rise in human intervention.
- Efforts to be made to maintain quality of water- underground water is the primary source of potable water and irrigation that’s why it is needed that water is kept free from various chemical ions like Cl-, F- and trace metals like Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd, and Pb. Spatial variation of water quality is affected by anthropogenic activities. Hydrological network of the region has influential impact on the economic and social development of the area.
Way forward for the Uttar Pradesh government
The Uttar Pradesh government must proactively address climate change impacts for sustainable development. Effective disaster management organizations are essential to detect early warning signs and initiate timely safety measures. Climate change issues require serious attention and judicious handling. Implementing environmental policies is crucial to prevent further deterioration of valuable resources. A structured platform aligning with sustainable development goals is necessary to fulfill present needs without compromising future capacities.
These measures can be taken by the government to overcome flood in Uttar Pradesh
- Urgent repair of barrage gates and embankments
- Renovation of drainage systems
- Efficient management of river erosion and protection of river banks
- Deepening of available water bodies
- Spreading awareness among local communities
- Construction of soil and water conservation structures with priority
- Establishment of flood control rooms at district headquarters
- Proper analysis and monitoring of frequent flood occurrences
- Diversion of surplus floodwater to water-scarce regions
- Establishment of Drought Management Institutes
- Studies, monitoring, and forecasting of natural resources
- Mandatory implementation of rainwater harvesting structures and rooftop provisions
- Establishment of robust crop monitoring and weather forecasting systems
- Improved communication mechanisms
- Emphasis on rural development, land resources, drinking water, and employment opportunities
- Strict guidelines for urban development and construction activities
- Development and operation of sewage treatment infrastructure
- Pollution reduction and elimination of hazardous materials in water bodies
- Emphasis on protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes.
Best Practices
Best Practices that can be considered and adopted by the government of Uttar Pradesh for overcoming issues of climate change
Promote Afforestation and Reforestation:
- Launch widespread afforestation and reforestation drives, especially along the Ganga River.
- Collaborate with the Union Ministry of Water Resources for large-scale afforestation initiatives.
Community Participation:
- Increase local community involvement in tree planting initiatives.
- Make environment a key focus in the national development agenda.
Integrated Policies:
- Incorporate water and livelihood security alongside food and nutritional security in national soil and land use policies.
Flood Control Strategies:
- Utilize remote sensing techniques to identify flood-prone areas.
- Construct small flood retention reservoirs near rivers to regulate downstream impact of floods.
Promotion of Dry Land Farming:
- Promote dry land farming in regions with limited water resources.
- Encourage cultivation of crops like jowar, bajra, ragi, oilseeds, cotton, and pulses in semi-arid areas.
Sustainable Water Management:
- Focus on efficient water use and proper management of water resources.
- Ensure access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene for all, aligning with the goal of sustainable development.
Some Innovative Actionable ideas
Nature’s Free Resources:
- Natural resources provided by nature are pure, but human activities have contaminated them.
Flood and Erosion Mitigation:
- No certified prevention for flood and erosion; focus on reducing damage through preparedness and recovery programs.
Structural Control Measures:
- Propagate vegetation and construct embankments.
- Build dams to control river direction, use cement, sandbags, and boulders along riverbanks.
- Plant trees to stabilize riverbanks and prevent deforestation, denudation, and soil erosion.
Non-Structural Control Measures:
- Develop forecasting and warning systems.
- Implement emergency protocols and ensure river body security.
- Define flood and erosion zones through land use planning.
Disaster Management Capacity:
- Enhance Uttar Pradesh’s disaster management capacity, establish functional early warning systems.
Water Pollution and Scarcity:
- Address untreated wastewater issue, especially in the Ganga basin.
- Focus on wastewater treatment to prevent pollution and water scarcity.
Drought Management in Bundelkhand:
- Promote dry farming techniques in rain-scarce regions like Bundelkhand.
- Coordinate efforts among NGOs, local authorities, and donors for effective drought management.
Healthcare Preparedness:
- Strengthen primary health centers, community health centers, and district hospitals to control epidemic outbreaks, especially during July to November.
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Climate Change and Weather Forecasting issues in UP : Summary I. Overview of Climate Change Impact Increased Weather Extremes: – Rising temperatures leading to more frequent heatwaves. – More extreme rainfall events causing floods and droughts. – Reduced predictability of monsoons due to climate complexity. II. Challenges Faced by Uttar Pradesh Impacts on Agriculture and Infrastructure: – Crop damage and water shortages due to droughts. – Economic losses from floods and infrastructure damage. – Vulnerability of the elderly and children to heatwaves. Weather Forecasting Issues: – Inaccuracies in predicting severe weather events. – Challenges in forecasting the onset and intensity of the monsoon. III. Government Initiatives and Responses Improving Weather Forecasting: – Installation of more radars and automatic weather stations by the IMD. – Upgrading high-performance computing systems for enhanced modeling. Climate Change Mitigation: – Investment in renewable energy sources for reduced emissions. – Development of climate-resilient agricultural practices. IV. Further Actions Required Comprehensive Climate Change Plan: – Collaboration with central government and stakeholders for a unified action plan. – Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience. Enhancing Weather Forecasting: – Continued investment in advanced weather stations. – Research and development in high-performance computing for accurate predictions. Conclusion Uttar Pradesh faces significant challenges due to climate change and weather forecasting complexities. By implementing comprehensive policies, investing in advanced technologies, and fostering collaboration, the state can mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve the accuracy of weather forecasts, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. |