Water has been released at 150 cusecs into the right canal of Dimbhe Dam in Maharashtra after a four-month wait, bringing relief to farmers in more than 50 villages across the Ambegaon and Shirur talukas, according to a report by Sakal – Pune. The release comes amid drought-like conditions in the region and is expected to support irrigation during the rabi season.
The dam, officially known as the Hutatma Babu Genu Sagar, is supplying water through its right canal towards Manchar, Gawdewadi, Pondewadi, Khadakwadi and the Loni area. The Irrigation Department has appealed to farmers and residents to use the available water carefully and avoid wastage.
The water is expected to benefit rabi crops including jowar, maize, vegetables and sugarcane. The release may also help increase water levels in wells located near the canal, providing additional support to agricultural activity in villages dependent on the canal network.
Before the release, vegetation and bushes had grown at several points along the right canal, obstructing the movement of water. The Irrigation Department carried out cleaning work and removed the unwanted growth, allowing the water to flow through the canal without obstruction, deputy engineer Tanaji Khade told Sakal – Pune.
The release highlights the importance of maintaining canal infrastructure before water is supplied to downstream agricultural areas. In this case, clearing the canal was necessary to ensure that the approved flow could move through the network and reach the areas identified for irrigation. The supplied report does not provide details of the total storage available in the dam, the duration of the release or the full distribution schedule for the villages.
The department has advised farmers to adopt drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to make the available water last longer. Ganesh Nanor, executive engineer with Kukadi Irrigation Division No. 1 in Narayangaon, said farmers should plan irrigation carefully and use every drop of water productively. He also appealed to them to avoid waste and use drip or sprinkler systems wherever possible.
For farmers in the canal command area, the release provides water for standing and forthcoming rabi cultivation after a prolonged interruption. Its impact will depend on how the flow is managed along the canal and how efficiently water is used at the farm level. The Irrigation Department’s next steps, including the continuing flow schedule and local distribution arrangements, will determine how consistently water reaches the affected villages.
