Rajasthan state is mostly associated with dry, humid and drought conditions, however this year in June Rajasthan received heavy rainfall. Rajasthan recorded 187 per cent more seasonal average rainfall in between June 1 and June 9. Abundance of rainfall in the region is good news for Rajasthan. However, excessive rainfall over a short period of time creates a set of challenges, suggested experts.

What’s Behind the Unusual Rainfall?

The ongoing rain spell is not linked to the southwest monsoon, which has not yet fully advanced into northern India. Instead, meteorologists attribute the rainfall to a combination of western disturbances, pre-monsoon weather activity, and increasingly erratic climatic patterns associated with climate change.

Why too much rainfall is harmful

Rainfall that happens in a moderate and sustained manner is useful, it seeps into the ground and recharges the ground and helps fill the reservoirs. On the other hand, if the downpour is heavy and for a very short duration, then water runs off the surface quickly. Especially in Rajasthan where the terrain and infrastructure is built according to the dry spell, heavy rainfall most of the time overwhelms the drainage systems, and even floods the low-lying areas, affecting the transportation system. In Rajasthan, agriculture is one of the major sectors and if waterlogging happens in fields, it damages the crops and even the fertile soil is washed away.

In many parts of Rajasthan, farmers who are preparing for the kharif season are showing concerns, as there is a delay in the agricultural operations and major crop loss due to heavy showers.

Heavy Rain Doesn’t Always Mean Water Security

One major misconception among people is that if there is heavy rains then the problem related to water scarcity is solved, however that isn’t the case, it all depends on the recharge of the groundwater reserves, which in most cases doesn’t happen as the ground reserve is under stress as there has been excessive extraction over the years.

One common science is if the rain happens slowly and for a prolonged period then the water will filter automatically in the soil. But, in most of the cases in Rajasthan the water flows through drains and rivers and ground remains undercharged, causing floods and the problem of water scarcity remaining intact.

People with expertise on ground water recharge have again and again stressed on rainwater harvesting, storage, and groundwater recharge mechanisms. Scientists have pointed out that the trend of erratic weather conditions, like prolonged dry spells, heavy rainfall is a pattern that indicates climate change. This unexpected heavy rainfall in June is clearly a sign that conserving water is essential, managing excessive water when nature gives, can be useful when there is scarcity.

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