Goa, June 18 -- The southwest monsoon is struggling to maintain momentum this year, with India recording a 42 per cent rainfall deficit between June 4 and June 18, according to the IMD.

The country received only 42.1 mm of rainfall during the period, well below the normal average of 72.2 mm. The deficit has triggered concerns about agriculture, drinking water supplies and reservoir levels.

Several states across central and peninsular India are experiencing below-normal rainfall. Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have been particularly affected, with many districts recording sharp deficits.

Mumbai is also witnessing one of its driest Junes in recent years, while farmers in Vidarbha and central India continue to wait for adequate r...