Mumbai, 17 July (HS): The monsoon has become active in Maharashtra after a gap

of a few days due to favourable conditions over Bay of Bengal. The Meteorological

Department has forecast good monsoon rains in most of the regions in

Maharashtra with wind speed between 40 and 50 km per hour from south.

Required

heavy rains is expected to begin from July 20. However farmers are worried over

a long pause after the first rains, further delay could require re-sowing

operations. The month of June was stressful due to 20% to 60% deficient rains in

many parts. The stress continued during the first fortnight of July due to

unsatisfactory rains.

Satisfactory

rains are expected in some parts of the state. A yellow alert has been issued

for most parts of the Vidarbha region for the coming three days. Central

Maharashtra and Marathwada regions are also expected to get light to moderate rains.

Light rains were received on Friday morning in suburbs in Central Mumbai. Light

showers increased during the afternoon. There was no relief, however, from hot

and humid atmosphere, Areas like Ulhasnagar, Ambarnath and Badlapur are getting

continuous rains since the last three days.

Heavy

rains were experienced in Gadchiroli district after a gap of about 20 days,

giving a big relief to farmers.

Agricultural

operation in Raigad, and Kolhapur gained pace. Farmers in Nashik’s Malegaon

suffered huge losses as top fertile land was flown away due to very heavy rains

a few days ago.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar