Some regions like Marathwada, Punjab and Haryana to remain parched The threat of drought in India is not over yet. According to the latest forecast by India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country will receive 95 per cent of the long-period average (LPA) rainfall in the second half of the southwest monsoon season. But north-west region will get only 76 per cent of the LPA despite increase in rainfall since late June. However, rainfall for some regions will remain low, which is a serious cause for worry. Marathwada has so far received 60 per cent less rainfall and it is unlikely that this gap will be covered substantially.

Similarly, Punjab received 58 per cent deficient rainfall from June 1 to August 10. Haryana had 56 per cent rain deficit (see map). Different models, different predictions Union minister of state (independent charge) for science, technology and Earth sciences, Jitendra Singh, said that according to the latest estimates, the 2014 southwest monsoon season (June to September) rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be 87 per cent of LPA.

Click Here To Read More