Article 1: Waves of rain
Why in news: Odisha is witnessing an unusually intense monsoon, with rainfall already 29% above normal. Repeated Bay of Bengal weather systems have triggered flooding, landslides and widespread disruption.
Key Details
- Excess rainfall: Odisha received about 1,453 mm rainfall between June and September 25, around 29% above normal.
- Multiple weather systems: 11 systems over the Bay of Bengal brought repeated spells of heavy rainfall, leaving little recovery time between events.
- Flood and landslide risks: Saturated soil and swollen rivers increase runoff, downstream flooding and landslides, particularly in hilly areas.
- Geographical vulnerability: Odisha’s deltaic coastal plains drain slowly, while southern highlands are more vulnerable to slope failures.
- Climate resilience: Increasing intense rainfall events highlight the need to strengthen urban drainage, infrastructure, river management and disaster-resilience measures, beyond evacuation and relief.
Upward Revision in Growth Forecasts
- Stronger-than-expected first-quarter GDP growth has led global agencies to raise India’s full-year growth estimates.
- ADB and S&P Global now project 7% growth.
- The OECD has raised its forecast from 6.3% to 7.1%, while Moody’s has increased it from 6% to 7%.
Investment and Industrial Growth
- Industrial activity and investment are key drivers of the current growth momentum.
- IIP grew by 6.3% during April–July, while manufacturing grew by 7%.
- Government capital expenditure increased by nearly 30%, providing support to economic activity.
Strong Export Performance
- Merchandise exports grew by 17.8% during April–August.
- A weaker currency may have supported export growth by improving price competitiveness.
- Growth has remained strong despite concerns over the impact of the West Asia conflict on economic activity.
Expected Moderation in Growth
- Economic growth is expected to slow in the second half of the financial year.
- According to S&P Global, the boost from GST rationalisation and income-tax cuts is likely to weaken.
- The OECD also expects growth momentum to decline before a gradual recovery in 2027.
Agriculture and Inflation Risks
- The agricultural sector has emerged as an important risk to the growth outlook.
- A stronger-than-expected El Niño could reduce agricultural production.
- Lower farm output could increase food inflation and put pressure on overall economic growth.
Conclusion
Odisha’s experience shows that disaster preparedness cannot depend only on evacuation and relief. Repeated extreme rainfall requires stronger drainage, resilient infrastructure, improved floodplain management and better river forecasting. Climate adaptation must also become part of urban and rural planning. Moving from response-oriented disaster management to anticipatory and risk-informed planning can reduce economic losses and protect vulnerable communities.
Descriptive question:
Odisha’s experience with intense and recurrent rainfall highlights the changing nature of monsoon risks. Discuss the measures required to strengthen flood resilience and climate adaptation in India. (150 words, 10 marks)