Drought Risk Assessment in the Yerla River Basin of India using Remote Sensing and GIS Methods

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of agricultural drought in the Yerla River Basin of India, leveraging satellite-based remote sensing data and advanced drought indices. Key metrics, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), Moisture Stress Index (MSI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), were employed to assess drought severity over a 30-years period (1994–2023). Findings indicate that the northern and central regions of the basin are particularly vulnerable, with over 80% of the area experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions. A Weighted Overlay Analysis classified the basin into five drought risk zones: normal, mild, moderate, severe and extreme. The study underscores the critical role of remote sensing in identifying drought-prone areas and supporting evidence-based water resource management. It calls for targeted mitigation measures such as improved water management practices, adoption of drought-resistant crops and sustainable agricultural strategies to enhance resilience against future droughts.