Shimla receives rain as Himachal sees a weak monsoon

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 27 : Shimla received fresh rainfall on Saturday, with more expected over the next three days. Locals are optimistic that the rains will help recover fruit and other crops that have been damaged due to the recent lack of precipitation.
The monsoon has been weak in Himachal Pradesh this year, resulting in less rainfall. However, the recent light rainfall has brought hope to farmers who have been struggling with drought-like conditions.
"This year, the monsoon is weak in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla city received light rainfall on Saturday. Crops are being affected by a drought-like situation," Rattan Lal Gautam, a farmer, said.
"It is not raining in rural areas. I heard that monsoon is getting active in the state. We hope it will relieve the farmers and locals," he added.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall, with thunderstorms and lightning likely to occur at isolated places in the districts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, Solan, and Shimla. Light rainfall is also expected at isolated places in the districts of Sirmaur, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti.
The anticipated rainfall brings a sense of relief and optimism among the local farmers and residents, who hope that the active monsoon will mitigate the adverse effects of the prolonged dry spell.
Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced financial assistance to states including Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand and Sikkim that have suffered losses due to floods and other natural calamities.
For Himachal Pradesh, the Finance Minister announced assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
"Himachal Pradesh suffered extensive losses due to floods last year. Our government will provide assistance to the state for reconstruction and rehabilitation through multilateral development assistance," Nirmala Sitharaman said earlier in the month.