Sunday reading: Rainstorm

This year’s monsoon has been intense and destructive, causing extensive damage across the state. Tragically, 67 people have lost their lives due to the heavy rains, 29 of these deaths have been due to house collapse. Hence, there is an urgent need for evacuation and rehabilitation of people living in dilapidated houses in both the states. Urban and rural areasThe rains have also caused significant agricultural losses, with an estimated 81,589 hectares of farmland destroyed. In addition, 1,283 houses were damaged by more than 75%, further underlining the seriousness of the situation.

Precipitation statistics and forecast
From June 1 to August 15, the state received 22% more rainfall than usual. The highest rainfall was recorded in Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Tumkur, while 13 districts received more rainfall than usual, indicating good rainfall across the state. Meteorological Department has predicted persistent rains in southern and northern interior, coastal and Malnad regions for the next four weeks. Although nine taluks, including Siruguppa, Devadurga, Aurad, Bidar, Kamalanagar, Hubli, Shahapura and Yadgir, have recorded below-normal rainfall, forecasts suggest that these areas too will receive adequate rain soon.

Positive outlook for agricultural production
Despite these challenges, the ample rainfall is expected to boost agricultural production. So far, 70 lakh hectares have been sown against the annual target of 82 lakh hectares and the target is expected to be exceeded. Pre-monsoon crops such as urad dal and mung bean are ready for harvest and state water reservoirs are 89% full, ensuring adequate water supply.

Will the bulldozers roar again?
During the meeting on Friday Prime Minister Siddaramaiah outlined several guidelines to address the challenges posed by the heavy monsoon rains. He underlined the urgent need to remove encroachments on rajakaluves (storm water drains) to prevent floods and limit damage. Further, he issued directions to regulate the water level of lakes by installing sluice gates during the rainy season to avoid overflows. Stressing the importance of vigilance in Bengaluru, the Chief Minister directed the Chief Commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to hold daily meetings to assess and manage the situation in the city. He also directed that the Zonal Commissioners meet regularly to assign duties to the engineers and take necessary precautionary measures.
Siddaramaiah made it clear that dereliction of duty would result in strict disciplinary action.

Further, the Chief Minister stressed the need for seamless coordination among various agencies including Bangalore Development Authority, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited and BBMP to ensure efficient drainage of storm water in cities and towns. He stressed the importance of regular cleaning of drains as a preventive measure. To further strengthen the state’s infrastructure against the impact of monsoon, Siddaramaiah announced the release of Rs 210 crore for repair of State roads.

More rain is coming

Increased rainfall is expected in the state in the coming days. Dr. N. Puviarasan, scientist at the India Meteorological Department, reported that the current synoptic conditions indicate a Cyclonic circulation over South Interior Karnataka and adjoining regions, up to the middle troposphere. In addition, there is a trough from North Interior Karnataka up to the Comorin region, which crosses the cyclonic circulation in the lower troposphere.

Due to these weather patterns, isolated heavy rains are expected in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Other districts like Belagavi, Dharwad, Vijayapura, Gadag, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Shivamogga, Tumakuru and Chitradurga are also expected to experience isolated heavy rains and thunderstorms. Light to moderate rains and thunderstorms are forecast in many parts of the remaining districts of interior Karnataka and Uttara Kannada district in coastal Karnataka. In Bengaluru, residents can expect cloudy skies with moderate rains and thunderstorms. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 30°C and 21°C respectively.