Shillong, Nov 3: Meghalaya received just 38.3 mm of rainfall in October, nearly 85 per cent below the monthly normal of 255 mm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.
The latest shortfall comes after a deficient southwest monsoon, during which the state recorded a 60 per cent rainfall deficit between June and September, receiving 1,077.1 mm against the seasonal normal of 2,695.3 mm.
The rainfall situation had deteriorated during the monsoon, with Meghalaya recording a 9 per cent deficit in July, which widened sharply to 38 per cent in August.
The state received 359.7 mm of rainfall in August against the normal of 581.6 mm, according to the IMD.
The IMD’s October report showed that all 11 districts of Meghalaya recorded “large deficient” rainfall, with deficits ranging between 74 and 93 per cent.
East Jaintia Hills and North Garo Hills recorded the highest shortfall at 92 per cent each, followed by East Khasi Hills at 91 per cent, East Garo Hills at 81 per cent and West Jaintia Hills at 80 per cent.
Ri Bhoi recorded a 74 per cent deficit, while South Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills registered shortfalls of 74 and 93 per cent respectively.
West Garo Hills recorded an 86 per cent deficit, South West Khasi Hills 84 per cent and West Khasi Hills 84 per cent.
The IMD classifies rainfall deficits between 60 and 99 per cent as “large deficient”.
The prolonged rainfall shortage has raised concerns over water security in the state, particularly the sustainability of natural springs that supply drinking water to several communities.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had acknowledged that many Jal Jeevan Mission projects were facing water-supply problems because of drying or declining sources, changing rainfall patterns and climatic conditions.
Meghalaya, being a hill state, depends heavily on spring-fed sources, which have shown signs of weakening during extended periods of below-normal rainfall.
The Public Health Engineering Department has expressed caution.
The department has mapped around 55,000 springs across more than 70,000 springsheds and identified 785 critical water sources for rejuvenation and highlighted the vulnerability of natural springs during the non-monsoon period. (PTI)
