SHILLONG: Sohra, known for rains, has witnessed one of the driest weather in 2013 due to less rainfall compared to the last 35 years, official data reveals.
Moreover, with 7560.3 mm rain fall in 2013, Sohra (Cherrapunjee) recorded third driest year in history.
The driest year in the history of Sohra was 1962 when there was rainfall of only 6807.2mm followed by the second driest year 1978 (6950.3mm).
For Sohra, 2013 was the third driest year with the rainfall recorded at 7560.3 mm.
The wettest year of Sohra was 1974 with 22763.2 mm rainfall as per the available data of Cherrapunjee meteorological office since 1973.
Experts say that cutting of trees at the hills for limestone mining in Sohra has resulted in less rainfall in the area now known as a wet desert.
During a recent visit to Sohra, the officer in charge meteorological office, Sohra Vijay Kumar Singh told The Shillong Times that the reason for the dry weather in Sohra is due to industrialization .
With industrialization, the limestone hills are cut to supply lime stones and in the long run, the forest is denuded , Singh said. In 2013, June 9 received highest one day rainfall of 315.4 mm.Among the 12 months of 2013, July received the maximum of 1858.8 mm rainfall. The Northeast received 40% less rainfall in 2013.
Sohra’s driest years
1. 1962: 6807.2mm
2. 1978:6950.3mm
3. 2013: 7560.3 mm