Drought risk management in Madhya Pradesh, India: a policy perspective

Madhya Pradesh, the central State of India, is susceptible to drought risks due to its unique geophysical characteristics and vulnerable eco-system. The State predominantly depends on agriculture from the employment and occupational engagements perspective. Government intervention is essential to reduce agricultural and other economic losses and support livelihoods. This paper, therefore firstly examines the vulnerability profile of the State towards drought. Secondly, it evaluates the State government's intervention through policies, particularly pre and post-disaster budgetary policy towards drought risk management. The examination focuses on the short-term (relief) and the long-term (mitigation) budgetary allocations to important State run programs and trends to reduce the exposure, vulnerability, and damage caused by droughts. Further, the existing disaster management policies' effectiveness, shortcomings, and challenges are also analysed. These findings are useful for the State government to re-design the policies and improve disaster management framework's shortcomings.