The most crucial period of the monsoon season, which could bail out Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the dispute on sharing of Cauvery river water, is just round the corner.
During the North-East Monsoon (October to December) the neighbouring state receives about 48% of its annual rainfall as compared to 20 per cent share in Karnataka. If the average rainfall during the next two months is normal, both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka will have surplus water in their reservoirs, say weathermen.
“We are expecting enhanced rainfall over the state and Tamil Nadu in the coming months, which could solve the water problem to a large extent. Already, parts of southern Karnataka, including the Cauvery basin, have received about 40 mm rainfall in the last 10 days,” said an official of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
But all this depends on the weather systems and cyclones that originate during the North-East Monsoon. Though the N-E monsoon is associated with cyclones which can sometimes turn devastating, last year none of the cyclones could bring rainfall over the state.
“The September rains nearly failed over south-interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, this year. The month witnessed only 68 mm rainfall as against an average of 211 mm rainfall. Even last year, the September month witnessed half of its monthly average rainfall (111.3 mm) and after which the state has been witnessing deficit rainfall,” the official added.