Nashik has recorded 26 percent above-average rainfall this June, reversing last year’s shortfall and signalling a stronger monsoon onset for the region. While the surge has improved reservoir levels and raised hopes in agricultural communities, officials are closely monitoring rainfall disparities across talukas, with some areas reporting over 100 percent excess and others still below average. The rainfall spike has also prompted advisories around public safety near overflowing water bodies.
The district, which typically receives around 175 mm of rainfall in June, has this year received a 26% surplus, a marked improvement from last year when it recorded an 18% deficit. According to district administration data, June 2023 saw the region receiving only 82% of its normal rainfall. This year’s rains have brought welcome relief to parched lands and recharged key water sources, including reservoirs and groundwater levels. The Nashik division—comprising Nashik, Jalgaon, Dhule, Nandurbar and Ahilyanagar districts—also reported normal rainfall this June, averaging around 140 mm. However, this figure is slightly lower compared to last year when the region received 14% above the norm. The variation in this year’s rainfall distribution has highlighted the uneven spatial pattern of the monsoon, a trend that climate scientists have increasingly warned about.
In Nashik district, 11 of the 15 talukas reported above-normal rainfall, compared to just seven talukas achieving the same benchmark in June last year. Dindori and Trimbakeshwar emerged as the highest gainers, receiving more than double their average rainfall. Dindori, which usually receives 132 mm, logged 271 mm—a 109% increase. Trimbakeshwar recorded an even higher deviation with 661 mm against an average of 318 mm, marking a 108% surplus. This intense rainfall has led to Gangapur Dam reaching 65% of its capacity within the first monsoon month. Other traditionally dry talukas such as Niphad, Yeola, Chandwad, Sinnar, and Baglan have also exceeded normal rainfall levels. Niphad experienced a 78% increase, while Peth and Nashik talukas recorded 70% and 67% surpluses respectively. Chandwad posted a 41% increase. Despite a deficit in Igatpuri taluka, which received 9% less than its normal 496 mm, the shortfall was significantly lower than last year’s 65% deficit.
Officials from the district disaster management cell said the overall performance of the monsoon so far has been encouraging. However, they warned citizens to avoid venturing near overflowing streams, especially in hilly regions. The saturated rivulets and swollen streams pose a serious risk to life, particularly during sudden rain spells. Hydrologists have pointed out that such rainfall extremes, both excess and deficit, are becoming more common with climate change altering traditional monsoon behaviour. They noted that planning agencies must update infrastructure design and water management policies to accommodate these variations. Overflowing dams and rivulets, while beneficial for agriculture, can also trigger flash floods and erosion in poorly prepared areas.
Environmental planners have underscored the urgency of integrating flood-risk mapping into urban and rural planning, particularly in districts like Nashik that blend agricultural zones with growing urban centres. They suggested implementing green stormwater infrastructure and preserving natural drainage channels to manage water excess without compromising environmental balance. Officials from the Agriculture Department have also indicated that while current rainfall patterns are favourable for kharif sowing, sustained excess rain can damage crops or delay field activities due to waterlogging. Extension officers are being deployed to monitor ground conditions and advise farmers accordingly on crop choices, fertiliser usage and pest management.
The Nashik district administration has also initiated precautionary checks on embankments, canals, and low-lying residential pockets prone to water accumulation. With more rainfall forecasted for July, local governance bodies are being directed to coordinate with weather agencies and civic departments to ensure preparedness. This year’s monsoon may turn out to be a pivotal one for Nashik’s rural and urban landscape. The significant early season rainfall has improved water security, but it also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to manage nature’s variability in an era of changing climate realities. Authorities across sectors now face the twin challenges of maximising agricultural productivity while minimising weather-related risks to human life and property.
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