Page 6 - The Indian EYE 091225

EYE ON INDIA SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 | The Indian Eye 6

Monsoon Mayhem in India: Floods Wreak

Havoc, But Rain Boosts Rural Economy

While India’s monsoon breathes life into agriculture and rural consumption, heavy rains and floods

expose millions to loss and destruction, making the season both a boon and a bane

OUR BUREAU
New Delhi
ndia’s monsoon season, critical for the coun-
try’s agriculture-driven economy, continues
Ito be a double-edged sword, delivering both
much-needed growth opportunities and devastat-
ing destruction. While timely and abundant rainfall
fuels agricultural productivity and rural demand,
extreme weather events in flood-prone states have
wreaked havoc, exposing vulnerabilities in infra-
structure and disaster preparedness.
Himachal Pradesh has witnessed one of the
heaviest August rainfalls in more than a century.
According to India Meteorological Department
(IMD) data, the state received 68 per cent more
rainfall than normal, making it the ninth-highest
August rainfall since 1901 and the highest since
1949. Districts like Kullu recorded 165 per cent ex-
cess rainfall, while Shimla saw 123 per cent above
normal. Experts warn that saturated soil and in-
tense showers have created the risk of flash floods,
prompting red alerts in several districts. “Almost all
districts in Himachal Pradesh have received rain in
the past 24 hours, with Bilaspur recording extreme-
ly heavy rainfall,” said IMD Senior Scientist Sand- A view of the waterlogged road as the rising water level of the Alaknanda River reaches the national highway creates problems
eep Kumar Sharma. for commuters, in Rudraprayag (ANI)
Meanwhile, in Punjab, the human and eco-
nomic cost of monsoon rains has been severe. Con- on essentials and discretionary goods, while gov- tributed rainfall boosts farm incomes, stabilizes
tinuous flooding has affected around 1,655 villag- ernment spending on infrastructure, housing, and rural wages, and stimulates consumption. Rural
es, damaged over 1.75 lakh hectares of cropland, the Jal Jeevan Mission adds further momentum to demand recovery, in particular, is vital for sectors
and claimed 37 lives. Union Agriculture Minister rural growth. like FMCG and agri-inputs, which were severely
Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the situation as “The green shoots are emerging,” the report impacted during the past few years by wage stagna-
“serious” during his visit to Gurdaspur and Am- noted, citing a strong start to the monsoon and tion, erratic monsoons, and inflationary pressures.
ritsar, emphasizing that the central government is increased government spending as key factors un- As India moves through September, fore-
actively supporting relief and recovery operations. derpinning a broad-based rural recovery. MGN- casts suggest rainfall may taper slightly but remain
Evacuation drives, drone-assisted relief, and emer- REGA demand is also moderating, suggesting im- above normal in several regions. Policymakers and
gency preparedness inspections are being conduct- proved job availability outside emergency schemes, local administrations are working to balance the
ed in flood-prone areas. which further strengthens household incomes. need for agricultural abundance with measures to
“Timely action can prevent both loss of life However, the benefits of the monsoon are un- mitigate flood risks and protect communities. The
and large-scale damage,” said Anmol Singh Dha- evenly distributed. Erratic or extreme rainfall can season’s contrasting impacts—nurturing growth on
liwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban devastate crops, destroy infrastructure, and disrupt one hand and causing destruction on the other—
Development) of Mohali. daily life, especially in hilly and low-lying regions. highlight that the monsoon is both India’s econom-
Despite these challenges, the monsoon has In Himachal Pradesh, districts like Solan, Sirmaur, ic lifeline and a persistent natural challenge.
also been a key driver of India’s economic reviv- and Kangra remain on red alert, with flash floods In essence, the monsoon continues to shape
al, particularly in rural areas. Reports from Ambit and landslides posing ongoing risks. India’s socio-economic landscape. While farm-
Asset Management highlight that a strong mon- In Punjab, waterlogged fields have destroyed ers, businesses, and rural consumers benefit
soon, coupled with easing inflation and rising rural crops, affecting livelihoods and food supply chains. from a timely, well-distributed rainfall, disaster
wages, is bolstering agricultural productivity and The dual nature of the monsoon underlines the im- management and infrastructure readiness re-
consumption. Early sowing of Kharif crops is 8 portance of disaster preparedness, resilient infra- main crucial in mitigating the heavy toll of floods
per cent ahead year-on-year, and sectors such as structure, and adaptive agricultural practices. and landslides. The dual nature of India’s mon-
FMCG, rural housing, and two-wheelers are see- Analysts note that India’s monsoon economy soon—simultaneously destructive and produc-
ing renewed demand. Higher wages and improved is fragile yet resilient. While excessive rains can tive—underscores the need for strategic planning
liquidity are allowing households to spend more trigger localized crises, adequate and well-dis- to harness its benefits while minimizing its risks.

www.TheIndianEYE.com