Mumbai: There has been an 80% rainfall deficit in Maharashtra in June, said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday.Addressing a press conference after the traditional tea party and cabinet meeting on the eve of the monsoon session of the state legislature, Fadnavis said the deficit in Vidarbha is 80%, central Maharashtra 83%, and Konkan 86%. In Marathwada, where rainfall is scanty, there’s a 69% deficit.“In some districts it has not rained even a single drop,” he said. As per reports received from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday, the monsoon is expected to intensify in the Konkan from June 23 onwards, while in Vidarbha and Marathwada, it would be delayed. “Right upto the first week of July, there does not seem to be any hint of rainfall that would allow sowing. The rainfall will be scattered,” he said.He urged farmers not to carry out sowing unless the government issues an advisory to do so. “Sowing can be done only after 100mm water penetrates the ground. Water stock is limited. Currently it is 24% across the state, which last year was 33%,” the CM said.Fadnavis added that while there is demand for water for irrigation, the government has decided to stop it as water is required for drinking. “If there is a shortage of drinking water, it will create a very difficult situation,” he said.
