In 2019, incessant rains in the country which were the heaviest monsoons in 25 years, caused severe flooding in over 13 states, leaving over 1600 dead and millions displaced from their homes. However, in the same year, the country also faced severe droughts in the southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh and also parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat. What explains this dire situation of excessive rainfall and droughts in India?

I speak to Vishwanath S (The Zen Rainman), Visiting Professor at Azim Premji University and the Director of Biome Environmental Solutions to decode India’s water conundrum and what the way ahead for us and our water policy should be.