India, May 30 -- Below-normal rainfall may strain water supply, Power generation and agriculture, while Risking drought

For the first time in three years, India is headed for a below-normal monsoon season, with seasonal rain during June to September projected at 90 per cent of the Long Period Average, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned on Friday. It also forecasts that the country will see above-normal heatwave days.

Taking note of the forecast, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has asked State Governments to brace for possible low rainfall or other challenging weather conditions in view of El Nino threat. Chouhan said the agriculture ministry is chalking out contingency plans to deal with any eventuality an...