The constant improvement in rain deficit level with every passing day is hinting towards a positive change for farmers’ community. Both weathermen and Agro-Met experts have opined that in the coming days the South-West (SW) monsoon will remain favourable over Jharkhand. Till date, the State had received 355.5 mm rainfall against 489.1 mm normal rainfall. As per the weather bulletin released on Friday, Jharkhand which was reeling under the threat of drought has been able to make up the rain deficit to a great extent.
Within two weeks, the State has been able to recover 14 per cent rainfall deficit. However, according to the rainfall statistics, at present -27 per cent rain deficit is yet to get breached. Further, the data suggested that this monsoon season, Khunti district had received minimum rainfall. As per the MET criteria, 567.3 mm rainfall in Khunti is categorized in normal, nevertheless the respective district, by far, had received 166.2 mm rainfall registering – 71 per cent rain deficit.
Similarly, till date, Garhwa had received 144 mm rainfall against 366.4 mm rainfall registering – 62 per cent deficit followed by Koderma which had received actual 158.9 mm rainfall against 413.5 mm rain recording -62 per cent rain deficit. likewise, Chatra had recorded 199.5 mm rainfall only against 452.9 mm rainfall with – 56 per cent rain deficit whereas Dumka where 493.2 mm rainfall is normal, the district had received actual 245.3 mm rainfall with rain deficit level reaching -50 per cent.
“In the days to come, Northern and North-Eastern (NE) parts of Jharkhand will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall as there is one active circulation over the State. Widespread rainfall will continue for next 3 to 4 days. Further, 3 to 4 per cent rain deficit is expected to get covered up soon. Also, adverse situation no longer persists and there are chances that well distributed rainfall will cover the entire Jharkhand in the remaining period benefiting the farmers,” said Senior Scientist, MET Observatory Centre, Ranchi, RS Sharma.
Sharma further added that the best part of advancement of SW monsoon is that districts which were reeling under the risk of drought in a much significant way will get respite. “– 50 per cent rain deficit or above is considered dangerous and leaving out a few districts of the State, maximum districts have breached the danger level,” he added.
In addition, Agro-MET Expert of Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), A Wadood stated that despite of delay in onset of monsoon, the condition is quite favourable for the farmers of the State now. Considering data of a few districts, lohardaga (477.4 mm), East Singhbhum (514.5 mm) and Gumla (573.7 mm) had received normal to more than sufficient rainfall, till date.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to avert any untoward incident in heavy rain, authorities of different districts are vigilant. A few days back, low-lying areas of adjoining localities of Jamshedpur were under risk as the water level had reached the danger level. Concerned over the gushing of water from the catchment areas into the Subarnarekha, the authorities of Chandil dam are on the toes.
The officials on Friday pointed out that Kanchi and Karkari Rivers which flow along Khunti and Silli and finally meet Subarnarekha are contributing in the rising level of the Chandil dam. “Both Kanchi and Karkari river which have met Subarnarekha have contributed immensely in the rise of water level, which continues to go up gradually despite opening up of the radial gate,” an official quoted.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall for past few days has made life miserable in Bokaro and Dhanbad districts. The heavy downpour has forced people to take shelter in high rising places residing in the lower areas.
More than 11 small bridges have sunken in rainwater while flash flood has washed away two small bridges in the rural parts of the districts. About 3 to 5 feet rainwater blocked several spots on the National Highway-23 between Bokaro and Dhanbad.
According to sources, there is a flood like situations in Chirkunda, Kumardhubi and other adjoining areas in Dhanbad. Nirsa MlA Aroop Chaterjee along with CO and BDO rushed to Kumardhubi and shifted the people to nearby high rise places.