Marathwada continues to get scanty rainfall

AURANGABAD: Even if many parts of the state have been experiencing rain fury, several parts of Marathwada continue to have a weaker run of the monsoon with only 3mm rainfall getting recorded in the region during the past 24 hours till Monday morning.
Aurangabad and parts of the region reported relatively stronger spells of light to medium showers, but it was believed to be far from the heavy showers that are eagerly awaited for erasing the monsoon deficit.
The forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is also not much encouraging for the next few days at least. The weather office has predicted the possibility of cloudy skies accompanied by spells of light rain during the next 48 hours to 72 hours.
As per official data available with the state revenue department, Marathwada comprising eight districts, still has nearly 30.5% rainfall deficiency. The region as a whole has reported average 261mm rainfall since June 1, which accounts for 69.5% of the expected showers and 33% of the total rainfall received during the current monsoon.
Beed district, which has so far recorded only 145 mm rainfall, has got the lowest 46% of expected showers, followed by Parbhani (230mm, 62%), Osmanabad (216mm, 63%), Latur (234mm, 63%), Jalna (244mm, 72%), Hingoli (352mm, 75%), Nanded (390mm, 81%) and Aurangabad (275mm, 84%).
A senior revenue department official said strong revival of the monsoon is awaited in Marathwada like what is being witnessed in many parts of the state, including Mumbai, Konkan, western Maharashtra and parts of north Maharashtra.
“The ongoing spells of light to medium showers are no doubt important as it will be producing conductive condition for kharif crops. However, a few spells of heavy to very heavy rain are a must for the revival of dams, so that the drinking water issue is addressed in some areas,” he said.
As reported by ToI earlier, certain pockets of Marathwada still have water tankers pressed into service for people. These areas also have cattle camps.