Why are there more droughts in Central and Western India?
Central and Western India experience more droughts due to large-scale variations and unpredictability in the behaviour of the monsoon. Since Indian agriculture is heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall, these regions become highly vulnerable when monsoons fail.
Most parts of Rajasthan, particularly areas west of the Aravali hills (Marusthali), and Kachchh regions of Gujarat fall under Extreme Drought Affected Areas. Districts like Jaisalmer and Barmer receive less than 90 mm average annual rainfall.
Additionally, most parts of Madhya Pradesh and eastern parts of Maharashtra are categorized as Severe Drought Prone Areas, while remaining parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra (except Konkan) fall under Moderate Drought Affected Areas.
Explanation
The textbook context clearly categorizes drought-prone areas by severity. Central and Western India contain a high concentration of Extreme, Severe, and Moderate drought-affected areas. The key reasons are: (1) unpredictability of monsoon behaviour, (2) very low rainfall in western regions like Marusthali and Kachchh, and (3) heavy dependence on monsoon for agriculture. The context explicitly lists Rajasthan (west of Aravali), Gujarat (Kachchh), Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra among the worst affected regions.