Drought monitoring system helps strengthen resiliency to climate change

摘要

The great temples of Khajuraho in the central Indian region of Bundelkhand are a tourist magnet. Famed for their intricate - and occasionally erotic - sculptures, they are situated next to refreshing pools of water, which are remnants of a sophisticated water management system that has kept the region food secure for generations. However, this same region is in crisis today, enduring one of the worst droughts in living memory. Many of the historic ponds and tanks have fallen into disrepair, compounding the lack of rainfall. Once an ancient kingdom, but now straddling the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, the area remains relatively underdeveloped compared to other parts of India. Consequently, many local people still rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. Faced with drought conditions and with limited capacity for water storage, thousands of smallholder farmers now face hardship - and even destitution.