India Releases District-Level Climate Risk Maps for Floods and Droughts
- Muhammad Ahmad
- Dec 17, 2024
- 2 min read
India’s first district-level climate risk maps provide critical data for flood and drought adaptation planning
Comprehensive assessment of 698 districts highlights dual risks and adaptation strategies
698 districts were mapped for flood and drought risk, with 11 facing dual risks.
Supported by Indian Institutes, DST, and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
Data to guide states on risk mitigation and climate-resilient development.
The report, District-level Climate Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Risks Using the IPCC Framework, was released on December 13, 2024, at IIT Delhi. Developed by IIT Mandi, IIT Guwahati, and CSTEP Bengaluru, the report offers a detailed analysis of flood and drought risks across 698 districts. It provides comprehensive hazard, exposure, and vulnerability maps for risk assessment and adaptation planning.
Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the report aims to empower State Climate Change Cells and related departments to create actionable strategies against climate challenges.
Technical Focus
Flood Risk: 51 districts are in the ‘Very High’ flood risk category, 85% of which are in Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
Drought Risk: 91 districts face ‘Very High’ drought risk, concentrated in Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and West Bengal.
Dual Risk: 11 districts, including Patna (Bihar) and Alappuzha (Kerala), face severe flood and drought risks.
Dr. Anita Gupta from DST emphasized the need to translate risk assessments into actionable pathways. “The goal is to build sustainable frameworks while empowering vulnerable communities to address climate impacts,” she stated.
Highlighting the urgency of integrating climate-resilient development into India’s rapid infrastructure growth, Mr. Pierre-Yves Pitteloud from the SDC noted that risk mapping facilitates dialogue among policymakers, local bodies, and communities.
The report is crucial for creating targeted, data-driven adaptation strategies across India. With this information, states can prioritize high-risk areas and build resilience against the growing impacts of climate change.