India is vulnerable, in varying degrees, to multiple disasters. The risks are compounded due to inherent vulnerabilities related to socio-economic conditions, environmental and climate change. India has several flagship programmes with large budgets, delivering serendipitous adaptation. The MGNREGS is one such programme implementing works related to Natural Resource Management. This chapter through analysis of the demand for works under the programme in relation to the average annual rainfall in the different states of India examines if there are any linkages between demand for jobs and annual rainfall. However, in contrast to the hypothesis, there is no clear relationship, and a mixed trend is seen with respect to work demand, employment provided, and mean annual rainfall. It clearly highlights that there exists a fundamental disconnect between the currently implemented development programmes and climate information in the different states of India, underpinning the need for a framework for mainstreaming climate information. The study suggests a generic strategy for mainstreaming adaptation in developmental programmes and argues that a transition from being ‘reactive’ to ‘proactive’ in approach will help build the resilience of systems and communities in the long-term.
