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The above-average rainfall during the monsoon has evoked mixed reactions from the environmentalists. A section of environmentalists have expressed hope that nearly 7.6 per cent excess rainfall over long period average (LPA) may ensure bumper crop production, which will help ease inflation. They also pointed out that water levels in major water reservoirs have risen to 88 per cent, a rise of nearly 10 per cent against the average 77 per cent in the last 10 years. They are also hopeful of above-normal rainfall in the coming months along with a dip in the temperature which will help the winter agriculture season (referred to as Rabi season) immensely. In short, they are happy that the good monsoon will usher in good days for the country’s economy after witnessing a couple of troubled years.
But another section of environmentalists have cautioned that the erratic nature of this year’s monsoon should not be overlooked as it bears all the disturbing signs of global warming. According to them, notwithstanding the above-average rainfall almost all over the country this year, at least seven meteorological subdivisions have registered significant shortfalls. It may sound strange, but the fact remains that Kerala, from where the monsoon makes an entry into the country, has recorded 13 per cent rain deficiency this rainy season, along with the Northeast, a region known for rainfall. A strange pattern of rainfall has been witnessed in Wayanad as the district has registered 30 per cent rain shortage, while severe landslides have killed over 250 people and wiped out several villages due to heavy rains. Most of the western part of the country has also not received sufficient rains this monsoon. On the contrary, known as the rain-deficit states, Rajasthan and Gujarat have received excess rainfall this monsoon along with a couple of big cities like Delhi and Mumbai. It may be mentioned that the national capital, Delhi, has recorded the highest single day rainfall since 1936.
Some environmentalists are also worried over the unusual phenomenon, that despite the above-average rainfall, the temperature in the country has not come down considerably; rather, in some places, the temperatures were higher than normal during the monsoon. This June was the warmest in north-west India since the record keeping process started in 1901. Besides, the night temperature in July was the highest since 1901. In the same month, the day temperature was the second highest since the beginning of the 20th century. Also, August recorded the highest minimum temperature during the night. Environmentalists are of the opinion that global warming has played a significant role behind this unusual phenomenon witnessed this monsoon. They are apprehensive that the above-average monsoon this year may be a flash in the pan. Thus, they have cautioned not to go overboard about an above-average monsoon, but be prepared to face the threat looming large due to climate change without lowering the guard as the weather may throw many surprises in the coming years.