MP: Uneven spread? 13 districts still rain deficient

The rainfall pattern in Madhya Pradesh so far this monsoon prima facie shows nearly skewed distribution, as per IMD data.

While the central Indian state has recorded the rainfall which is 16 per cent more than the average, as many as 13 districts are still deficient of the average rainfall.

As per the cumulative figures, till August 25, except for some areas in eastern MP, all other areas including Chambal and western regions have received more than the average rainfall.

Of the 13 rain deficient districts, the areas under ten districts in the eastern Madhya Pradesh and three districts in the western region have received the rainfall that is 2 per cent--33 per cent below the average, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

"This can be due to uneven distribution. Most of the rain deficient districts are the areas which traditionally receive low rainfall," IMD, Bhopal, meteorologist Ved Prakash said on Sunday.

He hoped the rain shortfall could be covered soon to certain extent.

"Good news is that the districts falling under the Chambal region, except Gwalior, have received adequate rainfall this time. These areas were considered rain deficient," he said.

Sidhi which has recorded 33 per cent less than the average rainfall this season tops the list of rain deficient districts, as per the data.

Other rain deficient districts include Shahdol (-27 per cent), Balaghat (-24 per cent), Katni (-21 per cent), Panna (-19 per cent), Chhindwara and Datia (-16 per cent each), Gwalior and Seoni (-11 per cent each).

Other districts, which are inching closer to the normal rainfall and so far received below ten per cent average rainfall, include Anuppur, Chhatarpur, Satna and Shivpuri, as per the Met department figures.

A rainfall of around 950 mm is considered normal for the state from June 1 to September 30--the monsoon period.

On the other hand, Mandsaur district has received the highest rainfall this season which is 118 per cent more than the average, followed by adjoining Neemuch district which has recorded 84 per cent more than the normal rainfall.

Meanwhile, in its forecast valid till Tuesday morning, the IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rains in parts of 30 districts, including Harda, Betul, Hoshangabad, Raisen, Sehore, Ujjain, Mandsaur and Vidisha.