Some states, such Punjab, Bihar and West Bengal, reported huge deficits of water level vis-a-vis normal storage. In Punjab, the deficit was -80% followed by Bihar with -67% and West Bengal with -51%.The lower water storage level in reservoirs would impact irrigation of crops in different river basins, officials say. However, a good rainfall in the Cauvery basin has eased water stress, which often becomes the trigger for political turmoil between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.The India Meteorological Department’s scientists say the water storage level would improve in the coming days with the monsoon system regaining strength after the La Nina phenomenon sets in by the end of August. The La Nina phenomenon refers to the cooling of the eastern Tropical Ocean, which induces good rainfall in the Indian subcontinent.So far, the country has received an overall normal rainfall in June-July by +2%. the Northwest region, East and Northeast regions received the highest deficient rainfall, resulting in the country’s 25% geographical areas remaining dry.
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