Monsoon celebrations in Maharashtra: Construction and agriculture boost the economy

Mumbai: The monsoon has intensified again in the final stage of the rainy season in the state. In the last twenty‑four hours, good rainfall has fallen in many districts of the state. Reservoirs in the three divisions of Western Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha have seen increased water storage. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of moderate to heavy rainfall for the next two days.

The cumulative water storage in reservoirs across the state is currently about twelve percent higher than last year. The water levels in the major dams of Jaikavadi, Ujani, and Koyna have reached the prescribed limits. This has created favorable conditions for agriculture and equitable water supply in the coming summer.

The farming sector has received a good relief from this rainfall. The cultivation of soybeans, cotton, and sugarcane has taken place over a larger area than expected. According to the agricultural department's economic data, this year the entire state has completed cultivation over 44,000 hectares in the Kharif season.

The market also currently has a favorable trading environment. Last week, soybean prices rose by about eight percent. According to trade associations, the demand for quality produce and exports suggests that the price increase trend is likely to persist for the next two months.

On the other hand, heavy rains have affected construction work in eight districts. According to the Public Works Department's report, 140 road and bridge construction projects were temporarily halted during the monsoon. Now, as the rain subsides, orders have been issued to restart these projects.

Work on the new lines of the Mumbai Metro has continued at certain sites even during the monsoon. The construction pace of the elevated bridges on Metro Lines 3 and 6 has been accelerated. Project officials say these phases will become operational in the first half of next year.

The river rejuvenation project in Pune has benefited from the monsoon. Continuous water in the Mula and Mutha rivers…