Saga of Rainfall

ALOK K. SHRIVASTAVA

Reasonably good spells of rainfall in July, leaving aside high humidity, impel me to pen down my thoughts on rain, which has come again. It is an unusual pleasure to see dust-infested, shabby plants and trees turning green again and little children enjoying the drizzle after returning from school, then rushing to pigeon holes in the safe custody of their mothers. Drops of rain entering the balcony not only amaze but also refresh.

Cranes, titiharis, pigeons, mynahs, sparrows, squirrels, and stray dogs quickly locate shelter. Bathing rituals of a few birds during moderate downpours look soothing and eye-catching.

The human body is full of water, yet it needs a lot more from the outside, from our vast and resourceful environment. Except in summer, an unlimited supply of water is sure and certain. When water becomes scarce, wetlands dry up, food shortages surface, miseries multiply, and the underprivileged suffer.

While many countries in Europe, North America, and Asia faced intolerable dry spells akin to 2024, in India it has been smooth sailing thus far. Rainfall has been almost sufficient, as in the last few years.

Southwest Monsoon

The Southwest Monsoon, our saviour and supporter for ages, once again knocked at our door ahead of schedule, leading to heavy showers in Kerala, North Maharashtra, and West Gujarat. In no time, it spread its bounty to eastern and central India. The last to receive it was North India and the N.C.R. Only the northeastern part had relatively deficient rainfall. But one can’t put Assam and even Manipur in this category this year, owing to the floods they had to grapple with. Floods also occurred in Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

What the IMD says about the East—especially Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—may not be true, as people were fed up with the high intensity of rain from June to July. As per records, Jharkhand had 595.8 mm of rain (71% more) and Rajasthan had 271.9 mm (116% more). Even Ladakh, a deficient U.T., had 97% more rain so far. These three states fall in the category of “Large Excess Rainfall” during 2025, according to the IMD.

Haryana, Odisha, M.P., Gujarat, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli too received excess rainfall. M.P. got 67% more than last year, while Gujarat received 64% more.

Water Logging: A Perpetual Challenge

Water logging in urban pockets triggers traffic jams, verbal duels, and accidents at the drop of a hat. The country’s capital, Gurugram, Patna, Ranchi, parts of Punjab and Jammu, and a few other towns too witnessed it. Localities such as Sadar Bazar, Karol Bagh, KhajuriKhas, Safdarjung Hospital, Connaught Place, Minto Bridge, and Chanakyapuri bore the maximum brunt in Delhi. The level of the Yamuna too is shooting up. In addition to inconvenience, water flowing onto roads in such situations appears almost black due to its mixing with sewage. Smelling or touching such water can be hazardous.

Punish Individuals Causing Urban Mess

On the eve of the monsoon, tall claims are always made by PWD and municipal authorities about cleaning and clearing drains, but the administration gets fully exposed when there is a heavy downpour. It is desirable that, apart from repairing potholes and drains, more pumps are installed in low-lying areas to pump out rainwater mixed with sewage. Again, the personnel involved forget that after water clearance, the chance of spreading waterborne diseases increases.

Above Normal Rainfall

If we look at the whole country during the period from June 1 to July 31, the quantum of rainfall stood at over 474.3 mm, compared to 445.8 mm during the corresponding period of 2024. Hence, it is 6 to 7% more. As per the IMD again, all the meteorological regions have received normal or above-normal rainfall, barring a few parts of the country. Since in June and July rainfall has been normal, one can expect a very good yield of the Kharif crop. It is also likely to help in the replenishment of water bodies and wetlands. After all, in the 31 days of July, rainfall recorded was over 267.4 mm—that is 6% above normal. As per the IMD, it was to exceed 106% of the long-period average. Delhi received 150.5 mm of rain in July. In August, it is likely to increase to 172 mm. While in July there were 16 rain days, it may reduce to 15.2 days in August.

The IMD has forecast average rain in August, but it may prove surplus in September. We need to wait and watch.

Heavy rainfall causes lakes and rivers to swell, submerge low-lying areas, block highways and footpaths, and can affect water supply and hydel projects. Relentless rain also bursts embankments of ponds, lakes, and rivers, as in the case of the Teesta River at present, or the Brahmaputra and Beas Rivers, almost every year.

Deforestation leading to landslides and many other biotic interferences can prove detrimental to the common man. One has seen the wrath of the swollen Teesta River in October 2023 owing to the sudden overflow of South Lhonak Lake, and during the last week of July this year, when the National Highway from Teesta Bazar leading to Gangtok, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling was blocked. It is not only the ‘anger’ of the Teesta— incessant rain also led to landslides between Coronation Bridge and Teesta Bazar, Rangpo and Singtam, and further between Singtam and Ranipool.

North Sikkim had seen a plethora of landslides some time ago, many resulting in deaths. The latest one on July 30 broke a vital bridge over the Teesta at Ramom, thus disconnecting the Lepcha reserve of Dzongu.

Low Pressure System & Depression

A low-pressure system on six occasions and some depression over the Bay of Bengal together boosted the monsoon to remain active in July. Therefore, H.P., Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, North Gujarat, Delhi, and the N.C.R. too received sufficient rainfall. However, depression is not something new to India, as it happens every year.

Cleaning & Harvesting Water

With so much rainwater going to waste, it should be our bounden duty to look at our dismal record of purifying polluted water bodies—especially the Yamuna River—and retaining surface water through rainwater harvesting. The latter can help prevent water depletion, maintain its level, replenish groundwater, and check soil erosion. Traditional methods can still be seen in Mizoram villages, and the Chennai Municipal Corporation once insisted on such a facility before registering a house.

Summing Up

Usual talk about solutions takes place only when we face distress signals. By the time we wake up, it may be too late.
Therefore, we have to think afresh, plan, and act decisively to ensure sustainable development—for the sake of our grandchildren.