ABSTRACT
In the mind of many Indians, Kalahandi symbolises deprivation like no other part of the country. Indeed, undernutrition is widespread and the likelihood of starvation deaths occurring in the district increases in severe drought years. The poor nutritional status of Kalahandi is also reflected in the fact that it has one of the highest infant mortality and maternal morbidity rates in the country and health statistics reveal that over 1,000 people died from various diseases during successive droughts in 1996-2000. Drought – which leaves large sections of the vulnerable population undernourished and starved – cannot be entirely prevented; its impact, however, can be lessened by concerted efforts including those related to reforestation and improvements in irrigation. Drought therefore need not spell doom every other year if long-term efforts at drought-proofing are undertaken together with an improved social security system – backed by reliable sources of funding – which is better able to identify and target groups vulnerable to starvation.
