The Ambegaon water crisis is worsening in the taluka’s eastern villages, where check dams on the Ghod River have dried up, disrupting farm irrigation and raising concerns over drinking water, livestock and fodder supplies. Local representatives have urged the administration to release water from Dimbhe Dam into the river and replenish the check dams.
The affected area includes Kathapur Budruk, Devgaon and Lakhangaon, where water in the check dams has reportedly been exhausted and stretches of the riverbed are dry. As a result, irrigation pumps along the Ghod River have stopped operating, according to a report published by Sakal – Pune.
The drying water sources are affecting standing crops and animal fodder. The report also said that the shortage of water for livestock is becoming a growing challenge for farmers, while declining fodder availability is adding pressure on households dependent on cattle and other animals.
Satish Rode Patil, president of the Ambegaon Taluka Agricultural Produce Processing Institute, called on the administration to release water from Dimbhe Dam into the Ghod River so that the check dams can be refilled. He also sought an immediate on-ground inspection of the situation in eastern Ambegaon.
The demand involves coordination with the Water Resources Department over the release of water from the dam. The report did not state that such a release had been approved or carried out. It also did not provide the current storage level of Dimbhe Dam, the quantity of water sought or a government timeline for a decision.
The shortage is not limited to farm use. Villages along the river are facing concerns over drinking water and water for livestock, while residents may have to depend on alternative arrangements as available sources come under greater pressure. The drying riverbed has also raised concerns over falling groundwater levels in nearby wells.
Panchayat Samiti member Ankita Valunj said the shortage of fodder and drinking water for animals was creating a serious difficulty for farmers. Former panchayat samiti member Ravindra Karanjkhele sought a survey of villages in eastern Ambegaon that could face water scarcity and asked the administration to plan water supplies accordingly.
The immediate administrative demands are for a field assessment, identification of potentially water-scarce villages and planning for drinking water, livestock water and fodder. The report did not include a formal response from the district administration or the Water Resources Department. Further action will depend on the administration’s assessment and any decision on releasing water from Dimbhe Dam.
