Kaveri river floodwaters inundate palm trees in an areca nut farm in Karnataka following heavy monsoon rains. Credit: STR/AFP via Getty Images
2015 marked an important year in the Western Ghats of Karnataka1 as the rainfall over most of this region of dense forests started showing a decreasing trend this year after traditional steady increases, according to an analysis.
Researchers at Kuvempu University, Karnataka analyzed rainfall trends in the state’s 31 districts between 2000 and 2020 using non-parametric statistical tests. The study points to 2015 as the likely breakpoint year in the time series, signalling a key rainfall trend shift.
Koppala district recorded the lowest average rainfall of 530.4 millimetres, experiencing an 11% decrease in rainfall. Some districts were exceptions with Dakshina Kannada district recording the highest average rainfall of 3495.6 millimetres in the time series, showing a 26% increase compared to previous data.
The trend analysis might help formulate better water management strategies in the state. Construction of water harvesting systems may benefit areas with declining rainfall trends while soil conservation measures may suit regions experiencing increased precipitation.
