Monsoon finally hits Bihar

Patna, June 18 (IANS) Monsoon rains finally lashed parts of Bihar Wednesday, bringing respite to millions affected by the scorching and humid summer as well as hope for farmers in the drought-hit state.

Several parts of Bihar including the eastern parts of the state and Patna experienced moderate to heavy rainfall. The sky over Patna was partly cloudy since Wednesday morning and more rain is expected Thursday.

A.K. Sen, director of the meteorological department here, said the rains were enough indication that conditions for the onset of monsoon have turned favourable and the monsoon has finally arrived in Bihar. "The entire state is expected to get rain in the next two days," he said.

The monsoon failed last year, forcing the government to declare 33 of the 38 districts as drought-hit.

People, particularly farmers, who were worried till a few days ago and held special prayers to invoke the rain gods, celebrated Wednesday. About two-thirds of the state's population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.

The monsoon usually hits Bihar between June 11 and June 13. But this year, it was delayed by over a week and the searing heat since May created havoc.