Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav addressed the 17th Conference of Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, calling for a fundamental shift in the global approach to drought from reactive relief to proactive, technology-enabled resilience.
Yadav emphasized that drought is no longer an occasional event but a defining development challenge affecting water security, food systems, biodiversity, and economic stability. He outlined India's coordinated, multi-institutional approach that integrates early warning systems, mitigation measures, relief mechanisms, and community resilience building. The strategy includes rainfall monitoring and satellite-based drought assessments that trigger preparedness at both inter-ministerial and State levels to prevent dry spells from escalating into full crises.
The minister highlighted the critical link between land and water management, stating "restore the forest, before the flow" to underscore India's focus on catchment and riverscape forestry to reduce erosion, improve water retention, and recharge groundwater. Specific initiatives mentioned include river rejuvenation programs, revival of traditional water bodies, community-led restoration of springs and recharge zones in hilly regions, and a pan-India watershed program addressing degraded rainfed lands through a ridge-to-valley approach. These programs are supported by community institutions and convergence with rural employment schemes.
At the household level, drinking water programs ensure reliable supplies during stress periods with assured service levels, local quality testing, and prioritization of vulnerable areas. The crop insurance program protects farmers against drought and other non-preventable losses across the entire crop cycle, combining subsidized premiums with technology-driven assessment for faster and transparent claim settlement. Additional prevention measures include watershed development, water harvesting, afforestation, groundwater recharge, climate-resilient crops, disaster-related funds, employment guarantees, fodder support, and emergency water supplies when required.
Yadav concluded that building drought resilience is not optional for the world's most vulnerable populations but a matter of survival, affirming India's readiness to share its knowledge and capacities, including early warning systems, for a drought-resilient future globally.