27% deficit rainfall in state

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 29

The Southwest monsoons withdrew from Himachal along with northwestern states of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and some parts of West Uttar Pradesh, West Madhaya Pradesh and Gujarat, with 27 per cent deficit rains.

The state received 612.7 mm rains from June 1 to September 29 against normal rainfall of 841.8 mm. All districts, except Una in Shivalik foothills, had deficit rains. Una received 31 per cent excess rains (1,132.3 mm).

Mandi district received 906.7 mm (-17 per cent) followed by Hamirpur 931.3 mm (-14 per cent). The local MeT office said that variation of 20 per cent was considered normal.

Percentage wise, the lowest rainfall 145.7 mm was recorded in the district of Lahaul and Spiti which is 68 per cent deficit followed by Kinnaur 112. 1 mm (-58 per cent), Sirmaur 773.8 ( -48 per cent), Solan 759.1 mm (-24 per cent) and Bilaspur 703 mm (-20 per cent).

In 2014, the southwest monsoon withdrew from the Himachal on October 5 and cumulative rainfall during the last season was 521.8 mm, which was 38 per cent less than the normal rainfall.

While in 2015, the deficit was 19 per cent in June, 21 per cent in July, 27 per cent in August and 48 per cent in September while cumulative deficit was 27 per cent, Director of Shimla MeT station Manmohan Singh said.

During the past 12 years highest deficit of 46 per cent was recorded in 2004.

“The monsoon deficit would not have an adverse affect on kharif crop yield or production as the soil has sufficient moisture due to adequate periodical rain during July and August,” sources in the state Agriculture Department said.