Drought crisis: Expected rainfall may not yield productive results

New Delhi, May 5: Severe heat wave and drought like situation in many parts of India has claimed scores of lives. Around 33 crore people, most of them residing in rural areas of the country, are in the grip of drought.

The crisis has consequently resulted into drinking water shortage and agricultural distress.

The meteorological department or IMD forecast for normal rain in 2016 was seen as respite for the parched areas of the country. However, WaterAid India has said that the normal monsoon this year will not be enough to bring cheer among people as the groundwater levels are so depleted.

"The good monsoon will not be enough to tackle the situation," WaterAid India's Head of Policy, Nitya Jacob was quoted as saying by the CNN.

According to Central Water Commission, the total water available in live storage of 91 reservoirs in India being monitored by CWC was 32.3925 BCM as on 28.04.2016. This is 21% of the total live storage capacity of these reservoirs and 77 % of average availability during last 10 years.

And critically, the past two monsoon seasons have seen below average rainfall.

"This has had a huge impact on groundwater supplies," says Jacob.

Water dams are running dry in many states due to deficient monsoon during last two years.
Marathwada region in Maharashtra where water is taken by train to Latur -- the crisis has sparked a lawsuit against IPL cricket matches.

Heavy security have been put into place to guard the water reservoirs in many states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat.

With forecast rains still weeks away, and no certainty that the coming rains will be enough to tackle the crisis only time will tell how country will cope with the severe drought like situation.

OneIndia News