Northeast states show decreasing trend in monsoon rainfall in 30 years

Our Correspondent
Imphal, Oct. 22 (EMN): Authors from Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a New Delhi-based public interest research and advocacy organisation on Friday said that all the states in Northeast except Sikkim is experiencing a decreasing trend in monsoon rainfall in the last 30 years, as per the Indian Meteorological department (IMD) reports.

In 20 of the last 22 years, monsoon rainfall has been below normal based on research findings, says Akshit Sangomla of Down to Earth, CSE. More than a century long datasets show a declining trend in many states in the region. Akshit was making a presentation on Friday based on available official data and other research findings on Climate Change in Northeast India during a two-hour-long online media briefing workshop, ‘Climate Change in India’s Northeast’.

Stating that rainfall patterns, especially during monsoon are changing, he said that mostly the region is drying up adding that flooding patterns are becoming unpredictable for the people.

He stated that new pests and insects are being discovered in some places like Upper Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and Wokha in Nagaland, while more sand than fertile silt are brought down by the rivers, adding that unpredictable flooding means no long-term planning.

He also suggested for taking up scientific spring rejuvenation besides analysis of flood and drought risk, carrying out planning and organic agriculture, which many parts of the region have always practiced apart from introducing new and innovative livelihood options. Avantija Goswami of Climate Change also spoke on ‘What to expect from COP 26’.

Meanwhile, CSE’s Director General, Sunita Narain and Meghalaya’s Forest and Environment, Power minister, James Sangma were the key speakers of the workshop, wherein more than 35 journalists from Northeastern states including reporters and editors from Manipur attended it.