Deficient rainfall in over 15 districts:Modi reviews the situation

Over 15 out of 26 districts in Gujarat have received 50 per cent deficient rainfall this monsoon, while the western state has experienced virtually no rain since July 27.

As per the state government figures, more than 15 districts have so far received less than 50 per cent rainfall.

Of these, Dahod, Dang, Anand, Bharuch, Surendranagar and Panchmahal have got less than 40 per cent rains so far.

Five districts – Ahmedabad, Kheda, Patan, Tapi and Vadodara – have got less than 35 per cent rain against the average rainfall of last ten years.

The entire state has received 55 per cent rainfall till now. Gujarat so far has recorded 531.43 mm rainfall against 960.86 mm of average rainfall over last ten years.

However, the IMD officials said the situation would improve marginally by next week when the second spell of rainfall is expected to lash Gujarat off-shores.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi called a meeting in Gandhinagar today to review current status of monsoon in the state. Officials from agriculture department and Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) were present in the meeting. IMD officials presented latest satellite pictures on screen and briefed the Chief Minister.