Mercury soars to almost 37 degree C at Imphal
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 18 2019: In tandem with the global climate change, the State has been becoming warmer and warmer, and the State capital touched 36.97 degree Celsius today.

Significantly, Delhi recorded 32 degree Celsius, following the monsoon shower on the same day.

Meanwhile, one ICAR scientists has warned that the soaring temperature coupled with the inadequate rainfall may lead to outbreak of different plant diseases and pests in the State.

According to a report given by the Directorate of Environment, Climate Change Cell, Imphal West recorded maximum temperature of 36.97 degree Celsius and minimum temperature of 21.65 degree Celsius.

Humidity was 93.27 per cent in the morning and 44.31 per cent in the afternoon but there was no rainfall.

Maximum temperatures recorded at different district headquarters today were 36.39 degree Celsius at Imphal East, 34.42 degree Celsius at Bishnupur, 35.24 degree Celsius at Churachandpur, 34.15 degree Celsius at Kakching, 33.68 degree Celsius at Kangpokpi, 39.48 degree Celsius at Noney, 32.88 degree Celsius at Senapati, 30.31 degree Celsius at Tamenglong, 37.53 degree Celsius at Tengnoupal and 29.24 degree Celsius at Ukhrul.

Kakching, Churachandpur, Senapati, Tengnoupal and Ukhrul received rainfall of 37.4 mm, 6.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 2.4 mm and 0.2 mm respectively.

Climate variation and seasonal variation caused by global climate change and inadequate rainfall received by the State may lead to outbreak of many plant diseases and pests which may prove quite devastating to standing crops, said one ICAR scientist.

Rising temperature favours growth and propagation of different types of pests and they may do extensive damage to standing crops, said the scientist while highlighting the need for farmers to consult experts on how to protect crops from pests.

One official of Agriculture Department said that the State has not reached the stage fit to officially declare drought hit even though the volume received this year till date is quite less.

Nonetheless, the department has asked all District Agriculture Officers to survey the areas where paddy has been cultivated as well as those areas where no paddy cultivation has been done till date and submit reports by July 20.The official said that rainfall received by the State in June was 41 per cent lesser than the normal rate.

One Health Department official said that people need to take up precautionary measures against diseases like Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue etc.

Notably, Swine Flu has already claimed one life in the State.

Environmentalist Dr Kh Shamungou remarked that disappearance of natural springs has been compounding the woes caused by inadequate rainfall.

Springs are the main sources for rivers and channels.

All those places in the valley where there were salt mines were all springs, Dr Shamungou said.

He added that land surfaces in hill areas have lost water retention capacity due to rampant deforestation activities.

Comment