Sullia: Anxiety which gripped the public sphere in Sullia Taluk has diminished for the time being with most places in the taluk receiving rainfall since last fortnight. Worst fears of drought and resultant acute water shortage have evaporated with significant increase in the water level in River Payaswini. It has regained its pristine bridal look with plants on the banks dancing to the tunes of gales.

Deficient rainfall and the summer heat had dampened the hopes of people during January-February itself, before real summer could set in. The dwindling water levels in wells and tanks brought back memories of last year, where the town and surrounding areas faced acute drinking water shortage. The water levels in river dwindled forcing people to construct barrage across the river to provide drinking water to the town.

With rain gods showing mercy by opening up the clouds above, smiles are back on the faces of farmers. In the last fortnight, the flow of water in River Payaswini has increased due to frequent rains that lashed the taluk. The fears of drought, unknown to the people in the region, which haunted them last year bringing agricultural activity to a standstill, have disappeared. Summer showers have helped everyone heave a sigh of relief during difficult times.

Due to inadequate rainfall last year crops dried, resulting in shortfall of agricultural produce. Areca vegetation and horticultural crops got burnt down in the summer heat yielding nothing to the farmers. Some had resorted to watering plants on their own to tide over the crisis. The drop in the agricultural output this year is estimated to be around 40 percent lower compared to the previous year.

This time the cool weather boosted by rain has provided a good environment for agriculture. The present environment is ideal for coconut, black pepper, banana, cocoa, cashew and rubber cultivation-the major crops in the region. Farmers are hopeful of the continuance of the present climate and better yield this year.

Due to the good rainfall this time, the greenery has resurfaced in the region allaying the fears of people. Farmers have suspended watering plants on their own momentarily, with improvement in the situation. The humidity and heat remains high at places as the rainfall has not been uniform.

Present scenario provides more reasons to rejoice than fret.