With the predictions of rainfall and snow made by the meteorological department going haywire, the predicament of agriculturists, orchardists and common people is increasing in the state.
The weather forecast of rain and snowfall in Himachal was made by Mausam Vigyan Kendra Shimla a few days back for January 24-25 and January 28 and 29.
People of the state were quite hopeful of respite from the current dry spell as the state is experiencing driest month of January in 123 years but western disturbances affecting rain and snow are reportedly losing intensity.
As per the data recorded by meteorological department “The state is facing precipitation deficiency of minus 99 percent in the month of January this year as the month is heading sans rain of snow.”
It was in 1966 when Himachal Pradesh had recorded as low as -99.6 percent precipitation deficiencies.
The availability of water from water reservoirs and natural sources is depleting fast in the absence of rain and snow affecting natural agricultural and horticultural activities and creating drinking water scarcity at some places in the state.
While environmentalists are linking the present dry spell with global warming the scientists of the metrology department are telling the dry spell is being caused by cyclic changes and al-nino effects.
Director of Metrology Centre Shimla Surender Pal said , “ There could be isolated snowfall on higher reaches but weather would be dry till end of January as much precipitation is not expected in the coming days ; the western disturbances predicted earlier somehow are losing intensity as they approach the region.”
He said , “ The forecast of western disturbances at the end of this month looks quite strong if conditions do not change and the region may get scattered rain or snowfall in the beginning of February .”