As water storage in dams increases and some areas grapple with heavy downpours, the state navigates through this monsoon season's unique weather patterns.
In a recent update, official data released on Sunday indicates that out of the 33 districts in Rajasthan, 14 districts have experienced 'abnormal' rainfall, while an equal number have received 'excess' rains during the ongoing monsoon season. The report, issued by the Water Resources Department, also highlights that all but one district in the state have received normal or above normal rainfall.
According to the report, only Jaisalmer witnessed 'scanty' rainfall, with precipitation levels 60 percent below the normal average, as PTI reported. The data further reveals that 14 districts, including the state capital Jaipur, fall under the 'abnormal rainfall' category, while an equal number fall under the 'excess rainfall' category. Four districts have recorded normal rainfall.
The classification criteria used in the report states that districts receiving rainfall ranging from 20 to 59 percent above the normal average are categorized as 'excess,' while those with rainfall of 60 percent or more above the normal average are classified as 'abnormal.' Districts with rainfall between 19 percent below and 19 percent above the normal average are considered 'normal,' while those experiencing a rainfall deficit of 20 to 59 percent fall under the 'deficit' category. Districts receiving below 60 percent rainfall are labeled as 'scanty.'
The report indicates that the state as a whole has witnessed 'abnormal' rainfall, with a total of 273.91 mm recorded from June 1 to July 16. This amount is 77.7 percent above the normal average of 154.11 mm for the same period.
Among the districts experiencing 'abnormal' rainfall are Ajmer, Barmer, Bhilwara, Jalore, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Tonk, and Udaipur. On the other hand, Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Churu, Chittorgarh, Dausa, Dholpur, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jhunjhunu, Karauli, Kota, and Pratapgarh are the 14 districts that have witnessed 'excess' rainfall. Four districts—Banswara, Baran, Dungarpur, and Jhalawar—have experienced 'normal' rainfall during this period.
Furthermore, the Water Resources Department reports that due to widespread rainfall, the water storage in 690 dams in the state reached 58.55 percent of the total capacity of 12,580.03 mqm on July 16. This marks an increase compared to the storage of 44.54 percent on the same day last year.
The weather office has also provided additional information, stating that light to moderate rainfall has occurred in several areas of the state, with heavy rains in a few regions in the past 24 hours leading up to Sunday. Notably, Nainwa in Bundi received the highest rainfall with 11 cm, followed by Lalsot in Dausa with 10 cm.
Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department (MeT) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in Baran, Bundi, Jhalawar, Kota, and Sawai Madhopur on Monday, as well as in Jhunjhunu, Sikar, and Churu on Tuesday.