There are growing concerns over slackening of the southwest monsoon in Kodagu, which is known to receive the highest rainfall in the State, and is the lifeline for people living downstream of the Cauvery.
The cumulative rainfall for the period of January to July 19 is 1,669.86 mm against which Kodagu has received only 1,065.27 mm of rainfall so far. The rainfall from the period of January to June this year was also below normal. As against the average of 731.53 mm, it received only 661.51 mm.
However, it is the shortfall for July which is causing concern as the deficit is more than 50 per cent. Against an average of 938.33 mm of rainfall, the district has received only 403.75 mm so far, the deficit so far being 534.58 mm, indicating the slackening of the monsoon.
The deficit rainfall is uniform across the district.
Other taluks
Madikeri taluk had received 1,986.65 mm of rainfall last year till July 19, 2015. However, the taluk has received only 1,581.02 mm of rain so far this year which shows a deficit of 405.63 mm of rainfall.
Virajpet taluk has received 788.92 mm of rainfall this year as against 1,205.44 mm during the corresponding period last year, the deficit being 416.52 mm.
Somwarpet taluk, which received 970.33 mm of rainfall last year, has received only 825.8 mm, the deficit being 144.46 mm till date.
Cumulative rainfall
Statistics provided by the Meteorological Department indicate that this year’s cumulative rainfall till July 19 is among the lowest since 2012. But for scanty rainfall in Madikeri, Nakoplu, Sampaji, Virajpet, Bhagamandala, Ponnampet, there has been no significant rain in any other part of the district even though the initial days after the onset of the monsoon held promise.
Growing concern
If the monsoon fails to revive in the last week of July and in the first week of August, the spectre of drinking water scarcity will plague not only Kodagu, but the entire south Karnataka region, including Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Bengaluru, all of which depend on the Cauvery and its tributaries.
Rainfall over the years in Kodagu
2007: 2,039.90 mm
2008: 941.81 mm
2009: 1,609.02 mm
2010: 751.18 mm
2011: 1,359.75 mm
2012: 733.04 mm
2013: 1,681.53 mm
2014: 1,138.03 mm
2015: 1,428.33 mm
2016: 1,065.27 mm
