At some places, the delayed monsoon has been followed by heavy downpour, especially in the 1,600-km long coastal belt, which has led to a near green drought situation, while at other places the scarcity of adequate rainfall has led to an almost drought-like scenario.

In Junagadh and Porbandar districts, seven talukas are facing a flood-like situation, whereas water scarcity looms large over seven talukas in Kutch and Surendranagar

districts.

In all, 17 talukas, including Jasdan and Wankaner in Rajkot, Dhasada, Dhrangadhra, Hadvad, Sayala and Limbdi

in Surendranagar, Bhuj, Mundra, Anjar, Rapar and Dayapar in Kutch, Botad, Ghogha, Gadhda and Gariyadhar in Bhavnagar and Lathi in Amreli, have so far recorded less than five inches of rainfall. The remaining 66 talukas have recorded moderate to heavy rainfall between seven to 27 inches.

Like all other parts of the country, Gujarat also experienced delayed monsoon. Instead of the regular onset period of June 15, it was delayed by more than two weeks. Rains hit Saurashtra on June 23 in Amreli and Porbandar districts, whereas in parts of Surendranagar and Kutch, the dry spell has continued. Elsewhere, Junagadh and Porbandar have been almost flooded by the third week of July.

Mangrol in Junagadh has received the maximum

rainfall at 61 inches, followed by 46 inches in Veraval, 40

in Maliya, 36 in Sutrapada,

35 in Talala and 29 inches in Kodinar.

With 31 inches of rainfall, Porbandar taluka in Porbandar district has received the maximum rainfall in the region. Elsewhere, Kutiyana taluka in the same district has received 15 inches of rainfall.

Bhanvad in Jamnagar taluka has received a maximum rainfall of 27 inches, while Khambhalia has recorded the lowest rainfall of 10 inches. Dhoraji taluka

in Rajkot district has received 17 inches rainfall, while Jasdan and Wankaner talukas have recorded only six inches.

Likewise, Bagasara taluka in Amreli has received a maximum rainfall at 16 inches, whereas Lathi taluka has recorded only six inches. Similarly in Bhavnagar district, Umrala has recorded 12 inches, while Botad has recorded only half that level.

Gujarat Water Supply and Sewage Board officials have, however, maintained that the drinking water situation in Kutch and Surendranagar will not be a problem.

“The Narmada water through the Maliya canal is available. There doesn’t seem to be a drinking water crisis,” said K L Patel, executive engineer. The official added that there has been fresh inflow in the local reservoirs.