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Heavy rainfall brings welcome boost to essential water supply: 'Crucial for irrigation and power generation'

Of course, it's possible to have too much of a good thing.

Of course, it's possible to have too much of a good thing.

Photo Credit: iStock

The early onset of the monsoon season is providing welcome relief to the reservoirs in the Himachal Pradesh and Punjab regions in northern India, The Tribune reported.

The heavy rainfall is providing a welcome boost to the water levels in multiple water sources that sustain the region. It's not just drinking water; the seasonal rainfall is also important for the area's economy.

"The water level in the Bhakra, Ranjit Sagar, and Pong dams is crucial for irrigation and power generation in the region," said VK Gupta, a former chief engineer for Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd., per The Tribune.

Bhakra Dam is one of the most important dams in the country. It's the second-tallest in the nation, after the Tehri dam, and holds historical significance as one of the first major infrastructure projects in post-colonial India, according to Eos. It was completed in 1963 and helped fuel India's green revolution, which transformed the country into an agricultural powerhouse.

Pong Dam Lake is a large man-made reservoir and animal sanctuary that's home to 420 bird species. According to The Tribune, he water levels in those reservoirs rose by 15 feet at the end of June.

As The Economic Times notes, the monsoon season accounts for nearly 70% of the water that India needs annually for its agricultural sector: the "lifeblood" of the country's $4 trillion economy.

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Nationwide, India's seasonal rainfall is about 11% higher than the long-term average, per India's Meteorological Department. Other essential water sources have experienced a similar increase in their water levels.

Of course, it's possible to have too much of a good thing. As global temperatures rise, seasonal weather patterns are becoming far more erratic. As the Guardian reports, flash floods and landslides have caused considerable damage in Himachal Pradesh, and dozens are missing.

As the world's most populous nation, with a hot climate and limited freshwater sources, water security remains a persistent challenge for authorities. A Winrock International report described India as one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, and that, by 2030, demand could exceed renewable supply in every state.

So while the short-term boost to its reservoirs' water levels is obviously very welcome, India has serious long-term challenges to contend with. Through local action, further adoption of clean energy, and more sustainable agricultural practices, India can rise to the occasion.

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