Clear signs of climate change is on the horizon in Goa which is a disturbing phenomenon. The advent of monsoon in Goa was delayed and then in July itself, we received about 1,850mm of rainfall which is roughly about 72 inches and in August the total rains was about 920mm which is about 36 inches of rain. Thus July accounted for two thirds of the total rain while August resulted in only one third of the total rain. Though we have received a total of 108 inches, still the pattern of rain has been a cause for concern for farmers. It has been reported that paddy cultivation in Goa was severely affected due to the irregular rains in August. One factor however is heartening and that is our water reservoirs are full and thus there is no concern about the availability of potable water. Though the health department were on their toes due to cases of dengue in Goa, still the scare was well in control this year. Does climate change not augur well for the coming years?
