Nashik: A prolonged dry spell has pushed even above-normal rainfall pockets into the state’s Trigger-1 drought list, exposing a sharp paradox across north Maharashtra. In all, 49 of the Nashik division’s 54 talukas have been declared drought-hit, according to a state govt resolution issued on Sept 26.
“Akole received 618.1mm against the normal 488.5mm, or 126.5%. Igatpuri received 41% of its normal 3,058mm rainfall, Peth 66% of 2,044mm, Surgana 81% of 1,895mm and Kalwan 89% of 640mm. Nandurbar recorded the steepest deficit, receiving 426.5mm, or 49.6% of normal rainfall. Ahilyanagar received 66% of normal rain, Jalgaon 77.3%, while Dhule and Nashik received around 82% each. Overall, the division received 464.2mm, or 65.6% of normal rainfall.
Because of a dry spell lasting more than 21 days,” he added, yet, it is on the drought list.
“The most striking anomalies are Akole in Ahilyanagar, Sakri in Dhule and Parola in Jalgaon, which received over 100% of expected rainfall,” district agriculture officer Ravindra Mane said. Agriculture officials said prolonged gaps between spells of rain caused extensive kharif crop damage despite healthy cumulative rainfall. Known for its rain scarcity, the taluka has been left out because it narrowly missed the official “dry spell” criterion. Officials said three circles received better rainfall even though several other areas remained deficient.
Sakri and Parola faced a similar situation. The opposite anomaly has emerged in Chandwad. Other high-rainfall belts have also made the drought list.