A review of sustainable drought resilience strategies for India's diverse agroclimatic landscapes

Satiprasad Sahoo, Chiranjit Singha, Debduti Dey, Ajit Govind. (1/1/2026). A review of sustainable drought resilience strategies for India's diverse agroclimatic landscapes. Hydrology Research, 57 (1), pp. 78-105.

Abstract

India's drought management faces a number of complex issues, such as groundwater depletion, climate change-induced rainfall variability, inefficient water usage, and rising demands from urbanization and agriculture. In order to move drought management from crisis response to long-term readiness, this research analyzes India's present drought resilience measures and suggests an integrated framework that combines technological innovation, community involvement, policy reform, and financial mechanisms. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) powered forecasts and smart irrigation systems, the promotion of climate-resilient crops, the use of creative finance such as drought bonds, and the development of decentralized water governance through Jal Sabhas are important solutions. Examples of effective community-led projects (like Hiware Bazar and Jal Taran) show how effective grassroots activity can be when backed by strong regulations and technological resources. The report ends with a 2050 plan that is divided into three main areas: (1) Infrastructure (micro-irrigation, aquifer recharge), (2) Institutions (corporate water stewardship, interstate water authorities), and (3) Behavioral change (water literacy initiatives). This shift requires 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) investment every year, but it might avert $1.5 trillion in cumulative losses by 2050, as 60% of India's districts are expected to experience water stress by 2030.