Dry run continues, season's rainfall deficit at 4%

NEW DELHI: Fears of drought have resurfaced after a week of subdued rains, which have widened this season's rainfall deficit to 4 per cent. But strong showers that fell in June have helped increase planting of crops significantly and flow more water to dams.

The Central Water Commission, which monitors major reservoirs that feed hydropower plants and irrigate fields, said the average water level was 19 per cent more than normal at this time of the year and 31 per cent higher compared with last year.

According to the weather office on Thursday, rainfall in the past day was 44 per cent below normal, continuing the weak phase that began after June 25 when it was 28 per cent above average.

The Marathwada region was completely dry in the past day, while Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch, Madhya Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh received less than 90 per cent rain. The IMD expects 12 per cent deficit in rains during the June-September season.