After an unusually long dry spell lasting for over four months, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms finally lashed various parts of Nagaland.
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After an unusually long dry spell lasting for over four months, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms finally lashed various parts of Nagaland earlier this month, offering respite to people by ending the drought-like situation that has caused significant water scarcity, especially in urban settlements like Kohima and Dimapur. The sudden downpour has brought cheer to farmers, who rely heavily on timely rain for good crop yields. However, monsoon showers can serve as a lifeline as well as a liability for farmers: a lifeline because they provide the much-needed moisture and nourishment to the soil which is essential for starting agricultural activities both for jhum (shifting) cultivation and water-intensive farming systems. Farmers wait for the rain to start their agricultural activities, particularly for paddy transplantation and vegetables, as moisture is needed for crop germination and growth. The monsoon showers can also be a liability for farmers if they arrive too late or if they are extreme, as excessive rain can cause flooding and soil erosion, which can affect crop production. In light of growing challenges such as extreme weather events, characterised by erratic rainfall and droughts due to climate change, farmers should build resilience by adopting climate-smart practices like effective water management, use of resilient crop varieties, and measures to prevent soil degradation. To mitigate climate risks, avert production losses and ensure economic stability, experts can also play a crucial role in empowering farmers by equipping them with knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices.
While the monsoon showers have provided relief by lowering temperatures, they have also caused waterlogging in some areas of Kohima and Dimapur, as well as damaged dozens of houses across several districts of the state, offering a preview of what to expect during heavy downpours. It should serve as a warning to the concerned authorities about the potential devastation the upcoming rainy season can bring if we are unprepared. It may be noted that Nagaland has made significant improvements in disaster management, as evidenced by its swift responses to natural calamities in the past, which were instrumental in averting casualties. The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has also been prompt in providing the public with timely weather updates and early warnings. However, roads, including national highways, are often neglected, despite the fact that calamities such as landslides, mudslides, and rockfalls are regular occurrences every monsoon. These events cause public inconvenience, disrupt economic activities, and even result in casualties. Therefore, the government should implement mitigative measures beyond monsoon preparedness programmes by ensuring that the roads in the state are properly maintained. To prevent floods caused by waterlogging, a common issue in Dimapur and Kohima during the monsoon, the DMC and KMC should implement measures such as desilting drains before the rainy season begins.