Maharashtra stands at a precarious juncture as data released by the State Water Resources Department reveals a concerningly low 28.09 per cent of total water stock remaining in its major dams.
Even with the initial whispers of the approaching monsoon, this dwindling reserve, while marginally better than the 23.43 per cent recorded on the same day last year, signals a potential water scarcity across the state in the weeks ahead. The truly usable water stock, that which is fit and readily accessible, is alarmingly limited at just 8,166.17 million cubic metres (MCM). This constrained availability casts a long shadow over the sustenance of drinking water supplies, agricultural needs, and industrial consumption until the monsoon rains arrive in full force and establish a consistent pattern.
The urban heartland of Pune currently faces the most acute situation, holding the lowest water stock among all divisions at a mere 21.52 per cent. In stark contrast, the Amravati division reports the highest reserve at 38.13 per cent, followed by Konkan (34.15 per cent), Nagpur (32.79 per cent), Nashik (31.35 per cent), and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (31.23 per cent). These figures paint a picture of a widespread challenge, affecting multiple regions rather than being confined to isolated pockets. An analysis of project scale further reveals that medium projects across Maharashtra hold 38.98 per cent of their capacity, while small projects stand at 31.55 per cent, and large-scale state projects are down to 29.94 per cent, underscoring the pervasive nature of the low water levels.
The lifeline reservoirs serving Mumbai – including Modak Sagar, Tansa, Vihar, Tulsi, Middle Vaitarna, Upper Vaitarna, and Bhatsa – collectively hold a mere 19.17 per cent of their total storage capacity. This is a critical concern for a megacity of over 20 million inhabitants that relies on these seven dams to supply approximately 4,000 million litres of water daily. While the current level offers a slight reprieve compared to last year’s even lower 13.63 per cent, it remains far from a comfortable buffer for a city of this scale, highlighting the delicate balance between supply and demand.
The Nashik district presents a complex scenario, with an overall dam stock at 28.36 per cent, amounting to 18,624 million cubic feet (MCF). The Gangapur dam, a primary source for Nashik city’s water needs, holds a relatively better 44.40 per cent, an improvement from last year’s 33.45 per cent. However, other crucial dams in the region, such as Alandi (12.62 per cent), Kashyapi (35.58 per cent), and Gautami Godavari (a critically low 9 per cent), paint a grim picture. Adding to the severity, the Manikpunj dam has completely dried up, and eight other dams in the Nashik region are nearing dead storage levels, signifying an exhaustion of usable water resources.
Water experts and state officials are maintaining a vigilant stance, closely monitoring the unfolding situation and the progress of the monsoon. While initial pre-monsoon showers have offered localized respite in certain areas, consistent and widespread rainfall is yet to materialise. The coming weeks are deemed critical, as a delayed or below-normal monsoon could swiftly exacerbate this worrying trend into a full-blown water crisis across several districts. Authorities are urgently appealing to citizens to adopt judicious water usage practices, eliminate wastage, and prepare for the potential imposition of water rationing. Simultaneously, farmers are being strongly advised to postpone sowing activities until significant and sustained rainfall is recorded to mitigate the risk of substantial crop losses due to inadequate irrigation. With the anticipated arrival of the monsoon in Maharashtra by early June, the immediate future hinges on the timely and generous replenishment of the state’s vital water reserves.
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