Deficient Rainfall: PM Asks 10 Ministries to work in tandem, prepare contingency plan
New Delhi, July 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reviewed the situation arising out of deficient rainfall during the Union Cabinet meeting and directed all concerned ministries and departments to work in close coordination to ensure timely preparedness and an effective response, sources said.
According to sources, the Prime Minister held a detailed discussion on the impact of below-normal rainfall and stressed the need for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to deal with any emerging challenges. He asked all ministries concerned to prepare advance contingency plans and maintain close coordination so that any adverse impact on agriculture, water availability, power supply and other essential sectors can be effectively managed.
Sources said nearly 10 ministries, including the Ministries of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Power, and Jal Shakti, will jointly monitor the evolving situation and formulate a coordinated strategy. The ministries have been asked to regularly assess ground conditions, share information in real time and ensure swift implementation of necessary measures wherever required.
The Prime Minister is learnt to have emphasised that preparedness should remain the top priority and directed officials to ensure there are no gaps in coordination among departments. The Centre will closely monitor the monsoon situation and take timely decisions based on rainfall patterns and assessments received from the concerned ministries, sources added.
Earlier on Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the monthly average rainfall over the country as a whole during July 2026 is most likely to be below normal.
According to the IMD, the long-period average (LPA) of rainfall over the country as a whole during July, based on data from 1971-2020, may be about 280.4 mm. Regionally, below-normal rainfall is likely across most parts of the country except some areas of Northwest and Northeast India, Eastcentral India and the eastern peninsular region, where normal to above-normal rainfall is likely.
Currently, weak El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are prevailing over the equatorial Pacific Ocean and neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are being observed over the Indian Ocean. The model forecast indicates that neutral IOD conditions are likely to persist during the Southwest Monsoon season.
— ANI
Reader Comments
At least the government is acknowledging the problem early. Jal Shakti ministry needs to work extra hard this year. Water conservation should be everyone's responsibility, not just govt's.
Living in Bangalore, we already see water shortages every summer. Deficient rainfall will make it worse. I hope the coordination between ministries actually results in action, not just meetings.
Honestly, this should have been done earlier. Farmers in my village already faced delayed sowing. But better late than never. Let's see if these 10 ministries can actually coordinate or if it's just another paper plan.
As an Indian living abroad, I always worry about my family back home during bad monsoons. Glad to see the government taking proactive steps. Hope they also focus on long-term solutions like better irrigation and water storage.
Weak El Niño and neutral IOD are worrying signs. Farmers need timely advisories and support. Also, our urban water supply systems in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru will face pressure. Let's hope the contingency plans are robust and flexible.
My family runs a small farm in Karnataka. The rains this year have been so erratic. I really hope the PM's directions translate into real help - like subsidized seeds, fodder,
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