{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Ponds Dry Up Before Monsoon Ends in Nagaur, Raising Fears of 2002 Like Water Crisis",
  "summary": "Despite recording 81 percent of average rainfall, ponds in Rajasthan's Nagaur have dried up in September itself. A significant deficit in canal water supply threatens severe drinking water shortages across the district.",
  "content": "A worrying water crisis is unfolding in Rajasthan's Nagaur district as the monsoon season approaches its final stretch. Although official rainfall records indicate that the district received roughly 81 percent of its average seasonal rainfall, the situation on the ground presents a starkly different reality. Long before the end of September, small and large ponds across the district are running completely dry. In contrast to the 673 mm of rainfall recorded last year, Nagaur has received only 324 mm this season between June 1 and September 30. This drastic reduction has sparked severe concern among rural households and livestock owners.\n\nParallels Drawn to the Severe 2002 Drought\nThe early drying up of water bodies has revived memories of past severe dry spells. Local experts point out that similar conditions were last observed nearly 24 years ago, during the severe drought of 2002-03 when local ponds dried up well before November. Although the aggregate rainfall figures for this year do not technically classify as a drought on paper, the peculiar pattern of rainfall failed to recharge local reservoirs. Heavy, sustained downpours were missing, preventing sufficient surface runoff from catchment areas into local ponds and tanks.\n\nImpact of Scattered Rain and High Evaporation Rates\nThroughout this monsoon period, rainfall across Nagaur remained scattered and intermittent rather than heavy or continuous. Storm clouds frequently gathered over the region, but cleared after brief spells of light rain. Furthermore, rainfall distribution remained uneven, leaving long dry intervals between shower events and depriving the soil of consistent moisture. Small water pockets that collected minor amounts of water rapidly depleted due to high rates of evaporation caused by intense heat during the clear intervals between rain spells.\n\nSevere Deficit in Canal Water Supply\nThe drying up of local water bodies has put unprecedented pressure on the regional public water supply network. Nagaur currently receives only about 74 MLD (million liters per day) from the canal network, against a daily required demand of approximately 125 MLD. With canal supply falling far short of actual requirements, the depletion of local ponds removes a vital safety net for both livestock and daily household needs. Ponds also play a critical role in maintaining local groundwater tables, making their early drying a serious threat for the upcoming dry months.\n\nMonsoon Withdrawal Timeline and Forecast\nAccording to meteorologist Radheshyam Sharma, changing wind patterns and decreasing atmospheric moisture levels indicate that the monsoon withdrawal process could begin after September 20. While localized drizzle remains possible before the final departure, significant rain is unlikely. Data over the past decade reveals that monsoon withdrawal was delayed by about 13 days compared to normal on two occasions. Normally, complete monsoon withdrawal across the country wraps up by October 15. As the weather clears permanently, local authorities face an urgent challenge to secure alternative drinking water sources.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThe early drying of ponds in Nagaur signals a severe upcoming water crisis for both rural households and agriculture.\n\n• Across India: Erratic monsoon patterns and poor catchment runoff highlight growing water vulnerability across arid agricultural belts. It underscores the urgent national need for improved rainwater harvesting and catchment management strategies.\n• In Nagaur and Rajasthan: Rural livestock owners face an immediate shortage of drinking water for their cattle. Livestock owners will likely be forced to rely on expensive private water tankers to sustain their animals.\n• Impact on Public Supply: With canal supplies delivering only 74 MLD against a demand of 125 MLD, district authorities may implement water rationing. Residents in Nagaur could experience reduced municipal water supply hours in the coming months.\n• Groundwater Depletion: Unfilled ponds mean reduced natural recharge for local aquifers and wells. This depletion will severely limit groundwater availability for domestic and agricultural irrigation uses.\n\nWhy this happened\nDespite reaching 81 percent of average rainfall figures, Nagaur ponds dried up due to the irregular nature of rainfall and high evaporation rates.\n\n• Lack of Catchment Runoff: Rain fell in light, scattered spells rather than concentrated heavy downpours required to generate surface runoff. Without strong surface streams, water failed to reach and fill the surrounding ponds and reservoirs.\n• High Evaporation Rates: Prolonged sunny intervals between short rain events led to rapid evaporation of gathered water. The intense heat quickly dried up small water bodies before they could settle into the soil.\n• Uneven Spatial Distribution: The season's total 324 mm rainfall was unevenly spread across Nagaur, leaving key catchment areas largely dry. This distribution fell far short of last year's 673 mm, which had successfully filled local water bodies.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. How much rainfall was recorded in Nagaur during this monsoon?\nNagaur recorded 324 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 30, which is approximately 81 percent of its seasonal average.\n\n2. How much rainfall did Nagaur receive last year?\nLast year, Nagaur district recorded 673 mm of total rainfall during the monsoon season.\n\n3. What is the deficit in Nagaur's daily canal water supply?\nNagaur requires around 125 MLD of water daily, but currently receives only about 74 MLD through the canal system.\n\n4. When is the monsoon expected to withdraw from Nagaur?\nAccording to meteorologist Radheshyam Sharma, monsoon withdrawal process is expected to begin after September 20 due to changing wind patterns.\n\n5. When did Nagaur ponds last dry up before November?\nPonds in Nagaur last dried up before November nearly 24 years ago during the severe drought of 2002-03.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/nagaur-men-manasuna-khatma-hone-se-pahale-hi-sukhe-talaba-24-sala-bada-akala-jaise-jala-snkata-ki-ahata-39050",
  "category": "Rajasthan",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-26",
  "tags": [
    "Nagaur Water Crisis",
    "Rajasthan Monsoon",
    "Drying Ponds",
    "Nagaur Rainfall Deficit",
    "Drinking Water Shortage",
    "Radheshyam Sharma Forecast"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}