Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Dhar Rainfall Falls 42%, Raising Water Shortage Concerns
Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh received much less rain this monsoon than it did last year.
The shortfall was nearly 42 percent.
Because of this, some ponds have not filled properly and water levels are falling in some places.
People are worried there may not be enough water for homes and farms next summer.
A farmer said the shortage could make it harder to grow wheat, which needs more water.
Farmers may grow more gram instead, because it needs less water.
A farmers’ association representative asked the government to act soon and consider declaring the district drought-affected.
Dhar district received about 6,902.8 mm of monsoon rainfall, compared with 11,973.5 mm during the same period last year.
The rainfall total represents a deficit of nearly 42%; Dhar is among 10 Madhya Pradesh districts with comparatively low rainfall.
Several ponds have not filled adequately, and falling water levels have raised concerns about summer drinking water and irrigation.
Farmer Anmol Patidar said limited water could affect tube wells and the rabi crop, especially water-intensive wheat; farmers may favor less water-intensive gram after soybean harvest.
Farmers’ association office-bearer Rajendra Sharma urged timely government action and called for Dhar to be declared drought-affected.
- Who
- Dhar district residents and farmers; farmer Anmol Patidar and farmers’ association office-bearer Rajendra Sharma discussed the concerns.
- What
- Dhar recorded nearly 42% less monsoon rainfall than during the corresponding period last year, raising concerns about water supply and farming.
- When
- During the current monsoon, as it withdraws; the comparison is with the corresponding period last year.
- Where
- Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Why
- Lower rainfall has left some ponds inadequately filled and contributed to concerns about water availability for drinking and irrigation during summer.
Farmers’ concerns and requests
Government response
Declaring Dhar drought-affected
Farmers’ concerns and requests
Rajendra Sharma called for the government to consider declaring Dhar district drought-affected because of the rainfall deficit and emerging water concerns.
Government response
The article does not report a government response or decision on the request.
Responding to possible water shortages
Farmers’ concerns and requests
Sharma urged the administration and government to take timely measures to address possible shortages affecting agriculture and urban drinking-water supply.
Government response
The article does not describe any measures announced by the administration or government.
- Current monsoon rainfall
- About 6,902.8 mm
- Rainfall during corresponding period last year
- 11,973.5 mm
- Rainfall deficit
- Nearly 42%
- Low-rainfall districts
- Dhar is among 10 Madhya Pradesh districts with comparatively low rainfall this monsoon.
- Water concerns
- Some ponds have not filled adequately; declining levels in some areas raise concerns over summer drinking water and irrigation.
- Crops mentioned
- Wheat may be affected because it requires more water; gram requires comparatively less water.
- Farmers’ association request
- Rajendra Sharma urged timely measures and asked the government to consider declaring Dhar drought-affected.