Delayed monsoon causes 25 pc rain shortfall in Maha in June

The delayed arrival of south-west monsoon over Maharashtra has brought about a shortage of 25 per cent rainfall in June, the normal precipitation for the month being 207.6 millimetres, an India Meteorological Department report stated.

It showed the shortfall was 47 per cent in Vidarbha, 33 per cent in Marathwada and 21 per cent in Madhya Maharashtra, leading to all these divisions being categorised as 'D', signifying "deficient" rainfall.

Konkan and Goa subdivisions have reported a shortfall of 7 per cent rainfall and have been categorised as 'N' or "normal", the IMD said.

"In a good sign, Thane district has received 503 mm rainfall in June this year, which is nine percent more than the normal 461.9 mm. Palghar has got 373.6 mm rainfall. The dams supplying water to Mumbai are from these districts and with such good precipitation, the looming fear of water shortage may no longer exist," said an IMD official.

"Generally, Marathwada and parts of Madhya Maharashtra receive rainfall a little late as these areas are known as rain-shadow regions," he said.

The IMD Sunday also issued a forecast of Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada region getting good showers from Tuesday onwards.

"The system is progressing. We are hopeful of Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada receiving widespread showers," the official said.

"As of now, catchment areas of dams in western Maharashtra such as Kolhapur, Satara and Pune have received some showers. But more rain is needed to get the dams to fill," the official said.