Erratic monsoon spells trouble for state

According to the met department,only 9 per cent of the average rainfall was received in the state since the first week of June and according to the data,Kutch and north Gujarat are the worst affected this season.

The border district of Kutch has recorded only 1 per cent rainfall so far this season,while five districts of north Gujarat received not more than 4 per cent. However,central Gujarat received 8 per cent and south Gujarat and Saurashtra recorded 11 per cent of rainfall.

In the case of the water levels in reservoirs,Saurashtra is the worst affected with only 8 per cent of reserves left in 135 dams,followed by Kutch.

Dams in central Gujarat hold the maximum amount of reserves at 51 per cent. The Narmada dam reportedly has around 77 per cent of its reserves.

The water supply department is likely to issue warnings if there is no improvement in the rainfall in the state,said a top official.

A large number of areas in the state are facing water cuts,including Saurashtra, and according to officials,water cuts are likely to be imposed in the state by the end of July.

Cities such as Jamnagar,Amreli and Bhavnagar receive water only on alternate days,while Bhuj gets water only every three days. At present,Porbandar is the only city to get a constant supply of water.

The shortage of water paints a bleak picture of agriculture in the state,with only 11 per cent of the 90 lakh hectares of agricultural land being sowed this season.

“The farmers are facing a twin crisis. While some who have sown seeds after the first showers in June fear the failure of the crops due to inadequate rains,others await more rains to begin the sowing process,which has already been delayed,” said an agricultural department official.