Study of the precipitation concentration index for Rahuri tehsil in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra

Abstract

The Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) is a crucial parameter for assessing rainfall variability, as well as flood and drought conditions in any region. Given that Rahuri tehsil lies in a scarcity zone, determining PCI values is essential. Using monthly and annual data from 1975 to 2021, PCI values were calculated. The annual PCI values revealed variations in precipitation distribution: 36 years (78.26%) exhibited strong irregularity, 7 years (15.21%) showed irregular distribution, and 3 years (6.52%) had moderate precipitation distribution, with no instances of uniform distribution. Seasonal PCI values (June to September) indicated 100% strong irregularity in precipitation distribution, with no years showing irregular, moderate, or uniform distribution patterns. These findings demonstrate that seasonal PCI values fluctuate annually, highlighting an inconsistent rainfall pattern. The analysis of PCI can aid in crop planning based on annual and seasonal precipitation patterns for Rahuri tehsil. Additionally, PCI assessments are valuable for understanding rainfall variability, conducting hydrological studies, planning crops, and managing floods and droughts. They can also contribute to evaluating soil erosion and loss by analysing rainfall variability.