(a) whether wide difference has been noticed between the actual rainfall and the forecast
of the Meteorological Department up to mid of July this year in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether forecast of the Meteorological Department is leaving any adverse impact on
availability of water, particularly for irrigation purpose in the country; and
(d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTRY OF
EARTH SCIENCES, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a) & (b) No Madam. The monsoon rainfall prediction for the country as a whole is given for
four month period i.e. from June to September, every year and the same practice has been
followed for Monsoon-2010 as well. Initial as well as updated seasonal monsoon rainfall
forecast issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the country as a whole has
predicted normal monsoon for the year 2010.
Actual cumulative rainfall recorded till mid July was about 86% of its Long Period Average
(LPA). However, the monsoon activity has picked up after that and the actual cumulative
rainfall recorded upto 31st July, 2010 is 96% of LPA for the same period which is in
accordance with the forecast issued by IMD i.e. normal monsoon over the country as a whole.
(c) No Madam.
(d) Does not arise.