The monsoon is late and, so far, fitful, with 84 per cent of the meteorological subdivisions reporting a deficiency. Water levels are worryingly low, with 59 of the 91 major reservoirs below normal. Eleven have zero storage. Just about half the kharif planting has taken place; the rest is delayed by lack of rain. Parts of central and peninsular India are staring at a second successive year of drought. The distress is undeniably acute but so is the lack of foresight, both individual and institutio