By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 20 Dec: After the monsoon in Uttarakhand, the state has been experiencing a severe rain deficit this year. Over the past few months, residents in the hill districts as well as in the plains have been longing for rains. As of December, rainfall has been recorded 90 percent below the normal levels, raising significant environmental concerns due to the persistent suspended particles in the atmosphere that have also led to a severely deteriorated air quality.
As Climate change continues to be a global phenomenon, the negative impacts of this are becoming increasingly evident across the country and in Uttarakhand in particular. These changes in weather patterns have led to floods, droughts, and other extreme conditions. In Uttarakhand, this pattern is evident with excessive rainfall during the monsoon and a subsequent drought thereafter. This unusual weather pattern has prompted several scientific studies. According to the data collected by the Meteorological Department, this December has been unusually dry so far with only minimal rain or snowfall recorded so far.
Meteorological Department scientist Rohit Thapliyal today confirmed that Uttarakhand has seen 90 percent less than normal rainfall in December, and that there has been no significant rain in the last three months. With only a few days left for the year to end, the Meteorological Department predicts no rain or snowfall in the coming week. Consequently, temperatures have slightly increased, and the cold typically observed in late December has not materialised.
The minimum night temperature recently recorded was 7.5 degrees Celsius, the same as on December 18, 2017. Mild cold winds are expected in the coming days, but a further significant drop in temperature is expected to only occur after rains. The Meteorological Department forecasts potential rainfall at the start of the new year or in the last days of December, offering some hope for tourists anticipating snowfall in Uttarakhand.
It may be recalled that the month of November had also passed without rain in Uttarakhand while the month of October also witnessed 80 percent less rainfall than normal. The lack of rain has created challenges for farmers and disrupted water supply in high Himalayan regions like Gangotri and Kedarnath Dham. Reports indicate freezing water pipes and burst pipes in these areas, where temperatures range from -1 to 10 degrees Celsius. Rain plays a crucial role in purifying the air by settling dust particles. Without rain, pollution levels increase. Rains are necessary to maintain a healthy environment.
