Changing monsoon patterns
Date: 03 December 2021 Tags: Climate ChangeIssue
Several states in the country are witnessing a decline in Southwest Monsoon rainfall, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Background
The report cites the numbers of five states- Nagaland, Bihar, West Bengal, UP and Meghalaya- witnessing decreasing trends.
Details
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Along with Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, the annual rainfall in these states showed a decline between 1989 and 2018.
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The frequency of heavy rains have been witnessed in many parts of Saurashtra, Kutch Peninsula, South-west Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu and many parts of Konkan, Goa and Uttarakhand.
Implications
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The agricultural season gets hampered due to changes in monsoon pattern. Farmers may face the biggest losses in terms of crop output.
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Monsoon is necessary for recharging groundwater and keeping constant flow in rivers and streams. Decline in rainfall will deplete water resources.
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The country’s food security will be in peril as major areas of rainfall deficiency are located in fertile agriculture regions of the country.
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The impact will also be severe on livestock and other animal rearing sector. Rural agro-economy will be the worst affected.
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There will be an increased migration from rainfall deficient areas towards metro cities. Urbanization will further stress the resources of cities.
Monsoon
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Monsoon is a seasonal wind system that brings moisture- laden clouds to cause rainfall across the region.
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For the first six months, the wind blows from south-west side and the next six months it blows from north-east side.