Question

The IMD collates rainfall between June and September as SW monsoon. Answer the following question. 

There have been regional imbalances in the rainfall received with several states having deficits: Manipur (–30%), Bihar (–26%), Punjab (–23%), and Himachal Pradesh (–21%). While the surplus is beneficial for India's overall water availability and agricultural output, states experiencing deficits may continue to face difficulties. With the help of an example explain what difficulties would these states face.

Answer 1

States experiencing deficits in SW monsoon rainfall, like Manipur (–30%) and Punjab (–23%), face serious difficulties such as water scarcity for drinking and irrigation. This deficit reduces soil moisture and groundwater recharge, adversely affecting agriculture which depends heavily on monsoon rains. For example, farmers in Punjab may struggle with insufficient water for crops like wheat and rice, leading to reduced agricultural output and economic stress. Additionally, water shortages can cause competition among domestic, agricultural, and industrial users, exacerbating hardships in these regions.