Environmental pollution has thrown nature’s balance into disarray, leading to erratic and unpredictable weather patterns across the world. Recently, North India experienced an unusual heatwave in February, but within days, the weather shifted dramatically—bringing hailstorms, road blockages, and a sudden drop in temperature. Even the hills of Himachal Pradesh were blanketed in snow. Once considered a reliable partner of Indian agriculture, the monsoon has now become erratic, affecting crops and livelihoods. While some regions have faced heavy rains and floods, others have suffered extreme drought conditions, leading to water shortages and agricultural distress. Last year, large parts of India, including half of Punjab, experienced drought despite adequate rainfall in other regions. The essence of drought is not just a lack of rainfall but an imbalance—where some areas receive excessive rain while others remain parched. This disrupts agriculture, leading to crop failures, food insecurity, and economic instability. Predictions indicate that nearly half of India is battling drought-like conditions, a problem that has worsened since the 1980s due to rising pollution levels and climate change. The increased temperature, along with high emissions of greenhouse gases, is dismantling natural climate patterns and depleting green cover. Droughts and rising temperatures are also accelerating glacier melt in mountainous regions, causing an initial surge of water flow, followed by severe shortages. Scientific studies, such as those conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research, highlight that drought conditions have progressively worsened from 1980 to 2018. The unpredictability of rainfall has further weakened the historic relationship between Indian agriculture and the monsoon. With erratic monsoons, energy production is also taking a hit, as reduced water levels impact hydroelectric power generation, leading to power shortages. Additionally, extreme weather fluctuations result in cloudbursts and floods, causing widespread destruction. Currently, India faces a severe drought crisis, with the affected area expanding by approximately 50,000 square kilometers each year. Northern India, in particular, is struggling with acute water shortages. The solution lies in strict environmental policies and stringent control over pollution. While developing nations are willing to combat this crisis, the reluctance of developed countries, particularly the United States, to contribute financially to global climate initiatives remains a significant concern. If immediate and decisive action is not taken, the consequences will be devastating for future generations.
