Centre to Met: Watch rain-deficient regions

The central government has directed the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to keep a close watch on rainfall and water availability in those parts of the country where the monsoon has been less than normal.

"Yes, we have been directed to keep a close watch on that 20 per cent part of the country which has received deficient rains so far in this monsoon season and provide regular updates and outlook," director general of IMD, K J Ramesh, said.

These regions include Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat, Jharkhand, and extreme western Rajasthan.

Cotton and groundnut is majorly grown in Saurashtra and Kutch, while paddy is the main crop in Jharkhand.

"Though there is a big chance of improvement in situation in these parts of the country, we can't take any chance as half of the 2016 southwest monsoon season is already over," Ramesh added.

The latest weekly update from IMD on Thursday showed monsoon in Gujarat has been 32-46 per cent below normal, while in Kerala and Punjab 27 and 22 per cent deficient.

In western parts of Rajasthan, monsoon was nine per cent less than normal.

IMD predicted that till August 14, normal to above normal rainfall is likely over many parts of northwest, west, central, and eastern parts of the country.

Overall, IMD data showed that from June 1 to August 3, India received around 488.3 millimeters of rainfall, one per cent above normal. The rains were normal or excess in 29 meteorological sub-divisions so far, and deficient in seven.

During the week ended August 3 (Wednesday), monsoon was six per cent above normal, while in July, rains were seven per cent above normal. In fact, July rains were among the best in the past 10 years.

The rains also pulled up the water levels in reservoirs across the country which on August 8 stood at 45 per cent of the full capacity. Last week, these were around 38 per cent of capacity.

The strong showing of southwest monsoon in most parts of the country has improved the kharif sowing as well with pulses dominating the show. EoM