BENGALURU, India (AP) — The late arrival of India’s monsoon season and below-average rainfall have caused problems ranging from planting delays for farmers to water restrictions for construction sites in its largest business hub, Mumbai.Water shortages have been reported around the country due to the late start of the rainy season, which typically begins in June but has grown erratic in recent years. Climate experts said the El Nino, a warming of the Pacific that affects weather around the globe, combined with an already heating planet, will likely result in weak, scattered rainfall across the country.While monsoon rains reached Mumbai earlier this week, about two weeks later than normal, water restrictions are in place to bolster the city’s dwindling reservoirs. Forecasters said it will likely take more than this week’s rains to replenish them. The local government has stopped municipal water supplies to swimming pools and construction sites, where it can be used to mix concrete, so there is more available for essential needs.AdvertisementAdvertisementLines are stretching for hours at public water distribution sites due to the shortage.“To collect just 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of water, I have to wait for two hours. I have to go to work, take care of my children and make sure there is water at home,” said Aishah Khan, a 33-year-old domestic worker in Mumbai.Many farmers in India’s northern, rural regions are delaying the sowing of their seeds as rains have still not arrived. They fear that poor rains this year will drive them into further debt.“We are unable to plant our seeds without the rains coming. Already, we’re suffering losses. I think it’s worse this year than previous years,” said Suresh Kumar, a millet farmer in India’s Uttar Pradesh state.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the neighboring Madhya Pradesh state, soybean and wheat farmer Kedar Sirohi said he is praying …
