Examining the reasons behind erratic Monsoon, highlight the possible outcomes of the erratic monsoon.

Monsoon are the seasonal change in wind-pattern over the Indian ocean leading to rainfall in the subcontinent during April to September. Reasons behind erratic monsoon: i Effect of El-Nino and La-Nina – El-Nino reduced rainfall whereas la-Nina increases the rainfall. ii Increased sea-surface temperature due to climate change. iii Effect of Indian Ocean dipole on the monsoon. iv Difference in the snow levels in the Tibetan plateau v Change in direction of jet streams over the sub-continent.

Possible outcomes of the erratic monsoon are :- i Unequal distribution in rainfall over the region – droughts and floods over different regions ii Torrential rains in short time – cases of landslide. eg Maharashtra western ghats. iii Damage to the agricultural crops – leading to shortage of food – food insecurity and inflation. eg Tomato iv Water scarcity due to low recharge of groundwater and aquifers. v Infrastructure damage. eg Delhi-Yamuna floods Due to erratic monsoons, steps such as water harvesting structures, climate smart agriculture and resilient building are required.

— ADITYA VIKRAM AGARWAL · AIR 9