Is Gujarat Experiencing Record Rainfall This Monsoon?

Ahmedabad, July 21 (NationPress) In the past 24 hours, five talukas in Gujarat have reported rainfall reaching up to 3.5 inches, with notable precipitation observed in regions like Junagadh and Vapi, according to the weather department.

This monsoon season, the state has recorded 53.39 percent of its average seasonal rainfall. Among the various regions, Kutch leads with the highest rainfall at 63.35 percent, trailed by South Gujarat at 56.32 percent, while North Gujarat and Saurashtra exceed 52 percent, and Central-Eastern Gujarat stands at 50.06 percent.

State records indicate that 141 talukas have experienced rainfall between 251 mm and 500 mm, 55 talukas have received 501 mm to 1000 mm, and 18 talukas have surpassed 1000 mm (over 40 inches) this season. The India Meteorological Department anticipates light to moderate rain across various parts of North, Central, and South Gujarat in the upcoming days.

To prepare for potential monsoon-related emergencies, the state government has stationed 12 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 20 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in several districts, with an additional three NDRF teams and 13 SDRF teams on standby.

Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea until July 22. Heavy rainfall and high winds have disrupted electricity in 14,515 villages statewide. The State Emergency Operations Centre reports that power has been fully restored, with repairs to damaged feeders, poles, and transformers prioritized.

This monsoon season has demonstrated uneven rainfall distribution. While areas like Kutch and parts of South Gujarat have witnessed above-average rainfall early on, central and interior districts faced delayed onset and below-normal rainfall in June.

Though July has brought some much-needed relief, rainfall remains inconsistent in districts such as Aravalli, Mahisagar, and Dahod, where local reservoir levels are still below seasonal averages.

The State Agriculture Department reports that the rainfall received thus far supports sowing activities in over 65-70 percent of the targeted kharif crop area. However, farmers in parts of North and Central Gujarat express concern over moisture stress affecting early sown cotton and groundnut crops due to intermittent dry spells during early July.

Water levels in some reservoirs, including Sardar Sarovar on the Narmada, remain stable but are under close observation. The Gujarat Water Resources Department has issued advisories for prudent irrigation water usage in regions experiencing erratic monsoon activity.