A joint report by IIT Guwahati, IIT Mandi, and CSTEP Bengaluru has raised alarms about the escalating impacts of climate change, identifying 11 Indian districts, including Patna (Bihar), Alappuzha (Kerala), and Kendrapara (Odisha), as being at “very high” risk of both floods and droughts. The study also categorised 51 districts as “very high” flood risk and 118 as “high” risk, with states like Bihar, Assam, and Odisha most affected.
The report underscores India’s vulnerability due to its reliance on the monsoon, with rainfall variability significantly affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods. By assessing over 600 districts on parameters such as climate hazards, exposure, and vulnerability, the study provides actionable insights for disaster risk reduction and adaptation planning.
“States like Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra are most affected,” said the study that assessed risks across 600 plus districts. India’s heavy dependence on the monsoon underscores the critical nature of these risks. Variability in rainfall—leading to either droughts or excessive floods—directly impacts agriculture, livelihoods, and rural economies, said the report.
“India’s agrarian society is deeply dependent on the monsoon, making the challenges posed by climate change, such as droughts and excessive rainfall, increasingly critical. This report, a collaboration between DST, SDC, provides a comprehensive risk assessment for over 600 districts, offering invaluable insights for effective mitigation strategies,” noted Devendra Jalihal, the IIT-Guwahati director.
The study integrated climatic hazards, exposure and vulnerability to offer a comprehensive view of district-level risks to aid in disaster risk reduction and highlight the direct impact on people and livelihoods, paving the way for data-driven adaptation planning.
“Climate change is one of the most formidable challenges of our time, impacting agriculture, livelihoods, and every aspect of life. No single entity can address this alone — it requires collective efforts and innovative frameworks. Through this report, we take a significant step towards identifying vulnerabilities, assessing sensitivity and addressing challenges faced by local communities at risk,” said Anita Gupta, head of scientific divisions in the Department of Science and Technology.
“Translating these findings into on-ground actions is essential, and the insights must reach every stakeholder at both national and state levels. This is just the beginning, as India moves forward with a balanced adaptation and mitigation strategy to achieve a cleaner, greener and climate-resilient future. Together, we will fast-track our goals for a Viksit Bharat and a Net Zero Bharat by 2047,” Gupta added.
