Climatic teleconnection of the future trend of meteorological, GRACE-DSI, and vegetation-conditioned-based drought analysis in the Ganga Basin

Abstract

This study assesses drought in the Ganga River Basin using SPI, GRACE-DSI, and VCI via GIS and non-parametric tests. Future SPI trends show increasing drought severity from 1986 to 2020. GRACE-DSI analysis (2002–2020) indicates a potential rise in drought conditions. VCI computations reveal vegetation health dynamics. Findings suggest an impending severe drought in the Ganga Basin, necessitating urgent water resource management. Drought causes are linked to precipitation changes and resource over-exploitation in changing climate conditions. The study emphasizes implementing measures like water conservation, sustainable land use, and groundwater recharge strategies to mitigate drought impacts.