Drought spectre looms large over six districts

The spectre of drought is looming large over many parts of Odisha due to meagre rainfall since June this year.Overall, the State has received 13 per cent less than the normal rainfall from June till August 10. But the situation is particularly bad in six districts.Canal water has not reached agricultural fields, as a result of which there is no farming activity.

While 11 districts have received less than average rainfall, six have had below-normal rainfall till August 10.According to local Met office statistics, as against the average rainfall of 680 mm in Odisha from June to August 10, the State has received 570 mm this year which is 13 per cent less than the average.

The situation in three coastal districts and three southern districts has become precarious. While Puri, Nayagarh and Khordha have received 40 per cent less than the normal rainfall, there has been 39 per cent less rainfall in Balangir and 37 per cent less each in Kandhamal and Koraput districts.

Meanwhile however, the Met office on Tuesday predicted heavy rainfall in the south and interior south districts in the next 48 hours under the influence of a low pressure.The Met office said two cyclonic circulations have been formed. While one cyclonic circulation has been formed in the north Bay of Bengal and lying over Chhattisgarh and its adjacent areas, another has been formed in the west-central Bay of Bengal and is lying over Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The two cyclonic circulations are likely to take shape of a low pressure in the next 48 hours.

Under its influence, heavy rainfall is likely in most parts in the south and interior south Odisha districts.The rainfall in these areas would increase from Tuesday while there would be sporadic rainfall in other parts of the State in the next three days, the release added.