23% rainfall deficit hits paddy sowing in J’khand
BELOW EXPECTATION Half of state is facing rain shortage in range of 25-44%
RANCHI: Despite intermittent showers in several parts of the state, the rainfall deficit in Jharkhand has not come down much, resulting in poor paddy sowing this year.
The state has received 485.9 mm rainfall from June 1 to August 8 against a normal of 627.4 mm, which is 23% deficit.
While the Met department expressed hopes of a rainy August, it said the deficit was due to lack of depressions in the region and deficient rainfall in June.
“If the state gets a few deep depressions, the deficit will come down this month,” said B K Mandal, director, Ranchi Meteorological Centre.
“Jharkhand usually sees more rainfall in August compared to other months. We could expect good rainfall in the next 4-5 days,” he said, adding that monsoon trough was active over the state and monsoon winds and clouds were entering the state from the Bay of Bengal.
In a year of good monsoon, many states either received normal or surplus rainfall, while Jharkhand’s deficit rose to 23%.
Besides Jharkhand, Kerala, parts of Gujarat and some northeastern states are facing deficit between 27% and 29%, whereas the rainfall is normal in 22 subdivisions and excess in nine subdivisions of the country.
While most parts of the state have received light to moderate rains and heavy rainfall since August 1, half of the state is facing a shortage ranging between 25% and 44%.
Chatra had the highest deficit at 44%, followed by Pakur at 41%, West Singhbhum 37%, Bokaro 34%, Giridih 32%, Khunti 32%, Ramgarh 32% and Koderma 31%.
Ranchi has been receiving incessant rain for the last three days, but the deficit merely slipped three points from 36% to 33%. The ongoing rains have improved the paddy sowing, but the coverage is still below 60%. The extended sowing season in Jharkhand will come to an end on August 15.
The rainfall has also failed to fill dams in Ranchi resulting in continuation of water rationing.
The Hatia dam, which supplies water to around two lakh residents in the city, has recorded the water level at 16.5ft on Monday.
“The water level is not enough to withdraw the rationing. The dam’s capacity is 37ft, but the level has not reached even the half of the capacity even after two months of rainy season,” said Shahi Sekhar Singh, executive engineer of Hatia dam.
However, rains have turned several prominent roads and localities into mini-ponds due to lack of proper drainage system.