Shimla, Oct. 5 -- The hill state of Himachal Pradesh recorded an 11 per cent deficit in monsoon rainfall this year, with Lahaul-Spiti registering the highest shortfall of 65 per cent, while the Southwest Monsoon withdrew from the state eight days later than its normal date, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The Southwest Monsoon completely withdrew from Himachal Pradesh on October 3 against its normal withdrawal date of September 25, marking a delay of around eight days, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist, IMD, said while speaking to ANI in Shimla.

"Overall, Himachal Pradesh received around 11 per cent less rainfall than normal during the monsoon season. The monsoon arrived late as well as withdrew late this year. It e...