India is currently grappling with a severe drought situation, which has become particularly pronounced in the Ganges river basin. Areas within the Ganges plains have emerged as significant drought hotspots since 2009. A study released in December 2025 has indicated that drought conditions have intensified in six major regions from 1971 to 2020, namely western and central India, the Himalayas, the Ganges plains, the peninsular region, and northeastern India. The use of the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index has revealed alarming results, highlighting rapidly increasing drought rates in the Ganges plains, the Himalayas, and northeastern India.

The exacerbation of the drought crisis can be attributed to several climatic and environmental factors. There has been a marked decrease in rainfall during the monsoon season, while the rate of evaporation has surged during the summer months, contributing to severe water scarcity. Additionally, rising temperatures day and night are intensifying these effects. The over-extraction of groundwater and the cultivation of water-intensive crops are further aggravating the situation. Regions in northeastern India, once known for their abundant rainfall, are now also experiencing weakened monsoon patterns, indicating a shift in climatic trends across the country.

The implications of this worsening drought situation are manifold, affecting agriculture, water supply, and livelihoods. The dependency on monsoon rains for irrigation makes farmers particularly vulnerable, and prolonged droughts could lead to significant crop failures and food insecurity. Policymakers are now faced with the urgent challenge of addressing water management practices and adapting agricultural strategies to cope with the changing climate, focusing on sustainable practices and climate adaptation measures to mitigate the impact of such severe droughts in the future.