Telangana faces 35% rainfall deficit as southwest monsoon weakens

Telangana is facing a 35 per cent rainfall deficit, with 27 of its 33 districts recording deficient rainfall as of July 16. Weather experts do not expect heavy rain during the remainder of July, raising concerns over agriculture, water availability and possible drought conditions.

Hyderabad: Southwest monsoons, the lifeline for Telangana’s agriculture and water security, are faltering, raising the specter of a potential drought year.

As of July 16, Telangana is grappling with a rainfall deficit, with nearly 88 per cent of its districts failing to meet normal rainfall. Moreover, weather observers have not indicated any spells of heavy rainfall for remainder of July.

According to Telangana Development Planning Society (TGDPS), the State has recorded a cumulative rainfall of only 159.1 mm against normal rainfall of 243.4 mm, a 35 per cent rainfall deficit.

The dry spell is widespread, and of the 33 districts, 27 are officially categorised as ‘Deficient’, with deficit rainfall ranging from 20 per cent to 59 per cent.

Meanwhile, Medchal-Malkajgiri and Hanumakonda districts are in ‘Large Deficient’ category, recording a deficit of 60 per cent and 67 per cent respectively. Only four districts, including Nalgonda, Rangareddy, Nagarkurnool, and Mulugu, have normal rainfall.

While the onset of the monsoon in June was relatively mild, recording a 12 per cent deficit, the situation deteriorated as the season progressed into July.

July typically serves as a peak period for monsoon activity in Telangana, with normal rainfall of 227.4 mm. However, halfway through the month, Telangana has received just 71.7 mm, a dismal 61 per cent below the normal.

The GHMC and its surrounding urban areas are not exempt from the dry spell, currently recording a 42 per cent deficit in cumulative rainfall since June 1.

Situation so far: (Monsoons between June 1 and July 16)

• Telangana received 159.1 mm of rainfall against a normal of 243.4 mm
• The entire State has a 35 per cent deficit of rainfall
• 27 districts in TS are deficient, ranging from a deficit of 20 per cent to 59 per cent
• Only 4 districts, Nalgonda, Rangareddy, Nagarkurnool, and Mulugu, have received normal rainfall
• The entire Greater Hyderabad region (except for Rangareddy) is on the deficit list
• Medchal-Malkajgiri and Hanumakonda are largely deficient, with 60 per cent and 67 per cent deficits
• GHMC, Cyberabad, and Medchal-Malkajgiri combined are 42 per cent deficient
• Normal rainfall in these three regions is 193.4 mm, but they have received 112.5 mm