India’s Climate Risk Assessment Report Released
On December 13, 2024, a significant report titled “District-level Climate Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Risks Using the IPCC Framework” was unveiled at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. This comprehensive analysis evaluates flood and drought risks across 698 districts in India. Developed by a collaboration of the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, and CSTEP Bengaluru, the report received support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
The report provides detailed maps of flood and drought hazards, exposure, and vulnerability at the district level. It aims to enhance the capacity of State Climate Change Cells and related departments in assessing climate risks for effective adaptation planning. Accompanying the report is a User Manual designed to guide stakeholders in utilizing the findings effectively.
Comprehensive Risk Mapping for Floods and Droughts
The report offers a detailed examination of flood and drought risks, presenting district-level hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and risk maps for each Indian state and Union Territory. This mapping is crucial for understanding the specific risks faced by different regions. Dr. Anita Gupta, Head of the CEST Division at the DST, emphasized the importance of this initiative. She stated that the DST aims to identify states with high-risk profiles and collaborate with them to develop adaptation strategies.
The report highlights that 51 districts are categorized as having a “Very High” flood risk, while 118 districts fall into the “High” flood risk category. Alarmingly, about 85% of these districts are located in states such as Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, the Drought Risk Assessment reveals that 91 districts are classified under the “Very High” drought risk category, with another 188 districts in the “High” category. The majority of these districts are concentrated in states like Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing Climate Change Challenges
The report aims to translate risk assessments into actionable strategies. Dr. Gupta noted that the DST is committed to building sustainable frameworks and raising awareness among local communities vulnerable to climate change. A series of awareness campaigns is planned to empower these communities, ensuring they are equipped to face potential challenges posed by climate change.
Mr. Pierre-Yves Pitteloud, Senior Regional Advisor on Disaster Risk Reduction, highlighted the need for climate-resilient development in India. He pointed out that as one of the fastest-growing economies, India is developing infrastructure to improve the lives of its citizens. The report’s risk mapping serves as a tool to foster dialogue among policymakers, local bodies, and communities. This dialogue is essential for identifying vulnerabilities and exposures to climate hazards.
Dual Risks: Flood and Drought
The report also sheds light on the dual risks of flood and drought faced by certain districts. Among the top 50 districts with the highest flood risk, 11 districts are identified as being at a “Very High” risk for both floods and droughts. These districts include Patna in Bihar, Alappuzha in Kerala, and several districts in Assam, Odisha, and West Bengal.
This dual risk poses significant challenges for local governments and communities. Addressing these risks requires a coordinated approach that combines immediate response strategies with long-term adaptation planning. The findings of this report will be instrumental in guiding future policies and actions aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change in India.
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