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Geography

The IMD collates rainfall between June and September as SW monsoon. Answer the following question.

By 30 September, 2024 regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Goa have recorded extraordinary surpluses, with Rajasthan alone seeing a 57% increase over average rainfall, Would the surplus rainfall be beneficial? How?

Climate

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Answer

The surplus rainfall in regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Goa can have both positive and negative geographical impacts:

Benefits of Surplus Rainfall

  1. Groundwater Recharge – In arid and semi-arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat, excessive rainfall helps recharge groundwater tables and fills reservoirs, reducing water scarcity.

  2. Agricultural Productivity – Increased rainfall enhances soil moisture, benefiting rain-fed crops like millets, pulses, and cotton in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

  3. Reservoir and River Replenishment – In Tamil Nadu and Goa, monsoon-fed rivers like the Cauvery and Mandovi receive more water, supporting irrigation and drinking water supply.

  4. Hydropower Generation – Dams such as the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat and Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu can store surplus rainwater, increasing hydropower production.

Challenges of Surplus Rainfall

  1. Flooding and Waterlogging – Rajasthan and Gujarat, with their low drainage capacity, can experience flash floods, affecting settlements and infrastructure.

  2. Soil Erosion and Landslides – In Goa and Tamil Nadu, heavy rainfall can trigger coastal erosion and landslides, particularly in hilly areas like the Western Ghats.

  3. Crop Damage – Excessive rainfall can lead to waterlogging in paddy fields in Tamil Nadu and spoil harvested crops.

Thus, while surplus rainfall enhances water availability, its impact varies based on topography, land use, and drainage systems in each region.

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