India monsoon hits drought-hit Maharashtra: IMD

PUNE: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared that the monsoon has finally entered Maharashtra on Thursday reaching south Kokan and Kolhapur. The state, reeling under one of the worst droughts ever, has been waiting for good rainfall.

The IMD declared onset of monsoon today in parts of south Konkan and parts of south Madhya Maharashtra. KS Hosalikar, deputy director general of meteorology, IMD, Mumbai declared in a tweet: "The northern limit of monsoon is passing from 17 N, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, Shimoga, Salem, Cuddalore, Gangtok. Conditions are favourable for some more parts of Maharashtra in next 2 to 3 days."

The met department expects the rainfall activity to improve over central India starting June 21. Associated with strengthening of the monsoon over southern Peninsula, rainfall activity is expected to improve over south Peninsula and adjoining central India in the week starting June 21.


Delayed rainfall has not only affected sowing of kharif crops but also worsened the drinking water situation for cattle and people in large part of the state.