The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast a 94 per cent chance of normal to excess monsoon, this year, after two years of drought,

LS Rathore, DG IMD says "More or less, Monsoon 2016 is expected to be good."


With nine states facing drought like situation in the country, the IMD has decided to advance forecast for the 2016 Southwest Monsoon nearly by two weeks seemingly to build a positive atmosphere as there is a likelihood of country receiving good rainfall this year.


The IMD for past few years has been releasing forecast in the fourth week of April and the second one in June. But this time it has been decided to advance it as many parts in the country Bundelkhand and Marathwada reeling under acute shortage of water. Last year, the forecast was released on April 22 and in 2014 it was on April 24 and April 26 in 2013.


IMD officials, however, denied advancement of monsoon due to prevailing drought condition in the country. 

Pic: Summer crops are wilting and reservoir water levels are at their lowest in at least a decade for the time of year.  PM Modi faces growing criticism for failing to shield farmers from deepening hardship often leading to suicide. Reuters/Amit Dave.