Karnataka: Copious rain turns arid Kolar, Chikkaballapur green

BENGALURU: Once parched and dry, Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts have witnessed a gradual transformation in their landscape, which is now marked by large stretches of blue and green because of good rain spells in the recent years.
Until two years ago, most parts of the region were arid due to scanty rainfall. Farmers could not even find a grazing area in the barren landscape.With no water, dry lake beds greeted livestock. However, copious rain has turned the landscape verdant. Using the moisture content in the soil, farmers in the districts have started growing rabi crops. Moreover, cows, buffaloes, sheep and goats enjoy grazing on the green pastures.

According to Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) data, October rain has been a record of sorts for Chikkaballapur and Kolar — the two districts have received 150% and 113% excess rainfall, respectively.
While Chikkaballapur received 235mm between October 1 and 18 as against the normal rainfall of 94mm, Kolar got 188mm as against the normal of 88mm. The neighbouring Tumakuru district too recorded more than average rainfall — 205mm as against the normal of 89mm. At 172mm, Ramanagara recorded its highest rainfall during the current spell (103mm more than the normal).
“Farmers can heave a sigh of relief and so can drinking water managers. We have received reports from field units that rainfed cultivation has gained momentum in the five districts around Bengaluru which generally get poor rain,” a senior official of the agriculture department said.
The official added though the perennial crops, mainly coconut, had been severely affected due to drought, the recent spells have given farmers a hope of revival. However, the issue has to be studied further.
The rainfall has revived the fortunes of cattle rearers too. Green grasses are growing in almost all parts, mainly rivers and lake beds.
Trough has led to downpour
What is triggering abundant rainfall in October? Manoj Rajan, commissioner, KSNMDC said: “The trough between cyclones over Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea has resulted in the heavy downpour. The trough is passing through north interior Karnataka. The low pressure developing in the Bay of Bengal is also contributing to this. Every year, we witness a similar situation during October and November.”
“Ponds and lakes have enough water this time, thanks to copious rain in September and October. We are able to find green pastures for our livestock and grow good crops,” said Mallesh, a farmer-leader in Chikkaballapur district, who owns seven acres of parched land.