This year's monsoon has already entered the country from the eastern region. Following a build-up of low pressure around the Bay of Bengal region, the monsoon clouds entered Nepal from Province 1 in eastern Nepal. After reaching Province 2 and Bagmati, this weather pattern will spread through all parts of the nation by next week, bringing light to medium rains in several parts and heavy rains in a few areas. According to meteorologists, the rain-heralding monsoon arrived in the country two days ahead of its normal schedule. The date for monsoon onset in Nepal is June 13, but this year it entered on June 11. The early arrival thus is likely to produce enough rains in the country before the season retreats on October 2.

For a country like Nepal, which is marred by a dearth of resources and technology, monsoon plays a significant role in boosting its agro-products. The nation heavily relies on the monsoon rains to grow its paddy products throughout the arable land of the country. With the onset of the monsoon this season, almost all farmers have braced for planting the paddy by growing seedlings. The months of June and July considered the major months of monsoon season see our paddy plantation in full swing. The nation expects enough rain during these two months to enable our paddy production to hit its peak. Our Gross Domestic Product witnesses a favourable growth in the year when monsoon season has a normal beginning and ending. Besides, the season is regarded favourable for recharging ground-water as well as rivers and rivulets that would help supplant the water deficit during the peak summer season.

Monsoon has an important role in the nation's economy and people's livelihoods. However, no one should forget another key fact- the season is also an occasion that triggers many water-borne disasters in Nepal, a mountainous and hilly country. Monsoon unleashes floods and landslips that wreak havoc in the lives of the people. Every year during this season, many people are killed and families are displaced while many roads, cultivable land, hydropower stations, power transmission facilities, irrigation canals and drinking water channels are affected badly due to floods, inundation and landslides. Since meteorologists have predicted that the monsoon rains are likely to lash some parts of the country heavily, the loss of life, public and private property is more likely.

Our authority must remain highly prepared to tackle all challenges and protect lives and property across the country. Right now, the rapid disaster responding units must be kept on high alert. Though our nation has currently been dealing with the second wave of the coronavirus, the government and its line agencies must gear themselves to avert the monsoon-triggered disasters so that major incidents that threaten public and private properties and the lives of common citizens. The timely dissemination of information about the lurking monsoon-related disasters will certainly help save many lives while relocating the people facing dangers of floods and landslide would do wonder in protecting lives. The fruit of this year's monsoon can indeed be savoured more if our authorities become successful in handling the challenges stemming from monsoon predicaments effectively.