As the monsoon season draws to a close, the states of Punjab, Haryana and the city of Chandigarh are experiencing a noticeable deficit of rainfall.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall in these regions has been below the expected levels: Punjab and Chandigarh have recorded a deficit of 23%, while in Haryana the deficit is slightly lower at 11%. The monsoon period in this area usually extends from 1 June to the end of September.
Between 1 June and 6 September, the average rainfall in Chandigarh is 754.2 mm, in Punjab 385.8 mm and in Haryana 373.9 mm. However, the actual amounts recorded are 580.2 mm in Chandigarh, 296 mm in Punjab and 334.1 mm in Haryana.
Monsoon in India: insufficient rainfall in Punjab
Punjab, a state that is heavily dependent on agriculture, is one of the worst affected by the lack of rainfall. Of its 23 districts, 19 have recorded below normal rainfall. Bathinda district leads with a major rainfall deficit of 55 per cent, receiving just 115.3 mm as against the normal 253.9 mm. Hoshiarpur is next with a deficit of 52 per cent, recording 258.9 mm as against the usual 537.1 mm. Similarly, Mohali and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar have witnessed deficits of 48 per cent (276 mm as against normal 535 mm) and 44 per cent (375.4 mm as against normal 666.4 mm), respectively.
Several other districts are also facing notable deficits, including Fatehgarh Sahib with a deficit of 41 per cent (246.2 mm as against normal 268.6 mm), Moga with 39 per cent (158.3 mm as against normal 260 mm), and Jalandhar and Ferozepur, both with a deficit of 34 per cent (305.6 mm as against normal 460.1 mm and 142.4 mm as against normal 216.5 mm, respectively). Fazilka and Barnala have recorded deficits of 30 per cent, at 157 mm (normal 223.8 mm) and 221.9 mm (normal 315.6 mm), respectively.
IMD monsoon update: Excessive rainfall
In Tarn Taran, rainfall was significantly higher at 66 per cent at 405.1 mm as against the normal 243.4 mm. In Pathankot, rainfall was lower at 14 per cent at 989 mm as against the normal 864.5 mm. In Faridkot, rainfall was almost normal at 269.5 mm as against the normal 268.6 mm.
IMD Update: Monsoon rainfall deficit in Punjab
Haryana, though generally faring better than Punjab, still faces an 11 per cent deficit in rainfall. Of the 22 districts in the state, eight recorded surplus or normal rainfall, while the remaining 14 recorded below-average levels. According to the IMD, Karnal tops the deficit list with a 46 per cent deficit (244.1 mm as against the usual 449.8 mm), followed by Panchkula at 42 per cent (442.9 mm as against the normal 761.7 mm), Yamunanagar at 41 per cent (470.8 mm as against 800.2 mm), Kaithal at 32 per cent (221 mm as against 324.4 mm) and Ambala at 30 per cent (502.9 mm as against 716.9 mm).
The rainfall deficit is raising concerns about groundwater levels in both states. Punjab and Haryana are key producers of water-intensive rice, which could be affected.
First published: September 7, 2024 | 16:02 IS
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