Bathinda/Shimla: Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have received above-average rainfall so far this month, but all three states continue to remain below their normal seasonal rainfall for the southwest monsoon. With the IMD forecasting widespread rain over Himachal Pradesh through July 13, the hill state has stepped up monsoon preparedness by deploying additional manpower and machinery to restore road connectivity.Despite the monsoon advancing across the country, Punjab and Haryana are still facing a 26% rainfall deficit since June 1, while Himachal Pradesh has recorded a 12% shortfall, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data.From June 1 to July 7, Punjab received 60.6 mm of rainfall against the normal 82 mm, while Haryana recorded 58.4 mm against 78.5 mm. Himachal Pradesh received 127.2 mm against its normal of 144.5 mm.Rainfall, however, has picked up this month. Between July 1 and 7, Punjab received 31 mm of rain, 15% above normal, while Haryana recorded 19.4 mm, 18% below normal — both within the IMD’s “normal” category. Himachal received 58 mm during the period, 34% above normal.The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall over Punjab and Haryana till July 9 and over Himachal Pradesh through July 13, with isolated heavy rain likely in the hill state.Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh public works minister Vikramaditya Singh on Tuesday said 4,228 multi-task workers have been deployed to restore road connectivity disrupted by the monsoon.Reviewing the department’s preparedness, the minister directed officials to remain ready to respond to any emergency. He said 11,137 beldars and 1,156 departmental and private machines, including JCBs, bulldozers, robotic equipment and tippers, have also been deployed for round-the-clock road restoration work, while six Bailey bridges have been kept ready for emergency use.The minister directed officials to strategically position machinery, Bailey bridges and construction material, complete advance tendering for additional private machinery, and continue regular cleaning of drains and culverts to minimise waterlogging.He also asked officials to ensure uninterrupted road connectivity to hospitals, police stations, educational institutions, fire stations, pumping stations and power installations, closely monitor vulnerable roads, bridges and landslide-prone areas, promptly report damage caused by landslides, cloudbursts and floods, and establish round-the-clock control rooms during the monsoon.
