New Delhi, June 13:
A looming monsoon crisis could push nearly 150 to 200 districts across India into severe drought conditions this year, raising concerns over agriculture, water security, and rural livelihoods. Climate assessments indicate that several regions may receive up to 60 percent below-normal rainfall, creating a high-risk scenario during the crucial monsoon season.
Experts warn that rainfall distribution is likely to be highly uneven. While a few pockets may witness moderate showers, vast stretches of the country could struggle with prolonged dry spells. The most vulnerable zones include Marathwada in Maharashtra and northern Karnataka, where rainfall deficits are expected to be particularly severe, threatening crops and groundwater reserves.
Several other states—including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand—are also projected to experience significant rainfall shortages. Weather analysts caution that the impact could extend beyond agriculture, affecting drinking water supplies, power generation, and rural economies.
The warning gains added significance due to the return of El Niño conditions, a climate phenomenon historically linked to weak monsoons in India. Weather records show that 13 of the 18 major drought years since 1901 occurred during El Niño periods. Since 2000, India has experienced El Niño conditions eight times, including the current year, reinforcing fears that 2026 could become another challenging chapter in the country’s climate history.
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