Drought looms large in Maharashtra

Drought-like situation looms large in Maharashtra as the state received less than normal rains in most parts, according to weather bureau here.

There is also no indication of rainfall activity picking up over the next one week as there are no favourable conditions like developing of a cyclonic circulation or low pressure formation in Bay of Bengal, Dr Sati Devi, director, India Meteorological department said.

Although the state is getting isolated rainfall in some places inclduing Mumbai, the rains so far are estimated to be 23% lower in Maharashtra excluding Vidarbha.

Maharashtra excluding Vidarbha received 524.8 mm rainfall since June 1 , she said.

Rains in Vidarbha were 34% lower than normal while Marathwada had a departure of 47% from normal till yesterday, Satidevi said.

While Konkan-Goa region and Central Maharashtra had a departure of minus 18% and minus 16% respectively which according to the weather bureau is considered normal.

In the weather bureau parlance, rainfall which is 20 to 59% lower than normal is considered deficit. If it is less than 20%, then it is considered to be normal, Satidevi said.