Monsoon rainfall pattern in the country not abnormal: Govt

New Delhi, Aug 7: Monsoon rainfall for the country as a whole over a longer data set has not shown any abnormal pattern, Lok Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in a written reply said that the Indian Meteorological Department has informed that monsoon rainfall for the country has not shown any abnormal pattern or significant trend.

The change in monsoon pattern on a regional scale is likely to increase variability in availability of water necessitating increased efforts for water harvesting and irrigation, Gangwar added.

Replying to a separate question, Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Upendra Kushwaha said that the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has not received any report regarding declaration of drought due to failed monsoon.

PTI