Lucknow's lowest rainfall in over two decades results in drought

Times of India: The state capital finds itself in the grip of drought with rainfall less than 46% below normal in this monsoon so far, lowest in more than twenty years. Though the district administration began preparing its action plan to provide relief to the farmers, the weatherman warned that more tough days are ahead as the monsoon is likely to remain subdued at least for a week in the state.

The Lucknow district recorded 192.3 mm rains from June 1 till July 31 against the normal of 357.9 mm for this period. The rains have been 46% below normal and there is no hope of revival in near future. State Met director, J P Gupta told TOI that the monsoon trough line which was passing from UP has shifted to foothills of Himalayas. "There will be rains in the Himalayan region and areas adjacent to it in UP but rest of the state would receive rains only in isolated places for next 2-3 days," he said adding, "The monsoon revival may take place after a week as a low pressure area is developing over the Bay of Bengal."

The monsoon arrived 15 days late in UP this year and lost steam soon after. The monsoon has been delayed earlier also on some occasions -- in 2007 it had arrived on June 24 and in 2006 on June 26 but the loss due to delay was compensated by adequate rains in July. However, this year monsoon has remained subdued in UP so far….

Monsoon clouds over Lucknow, shot by Sunnyoraish