MUMBAI: As Maharashtra faces a dire water crisis, exacerbated by last year’s meagre monsoon, 10,767 habitats across 25 districts now rely on tankers for potable water.
The state government’s declaration of 66% of rural Maharashtra as drought-affected underscores the severity of the situation, with water levels in reservoirs and dams plummeting to a concerning 22.83%. Despite the meteorological department’s optimistic forecast of a favourable monsoon, the reality on the ground remains grim. To mitigate the crisis, district administrations have expedited efforts to secure water supply by acquiring private borewells and increasing the deployment of tankers. The latest report from the water supply department reveals a significant escalation in tanker deployments compared to the previous year, with 3,713 tankers currently operational. These tankers, comprising both private and government-owned, are servicing 3,029 villages and 7,738 hamlets, representing a critical lifeline for communities grappling with acute water scarcity.
Marathwada, one of the worst-hit regions, witnesses the highest concentration of tankers, with 1,866 vehicles catering to the water needs of 1,273 villages and 507 hamlets. Nashik division follows closely, with 823 tankers servicing 772 villages and 2,580 hamlets. The declining water levels in Maharashtra’s dams further compound the crisis, with live storage plummeting to 22.83% of capacity, a stark contrast to the 32.26% recorded last year. Particularly alarming is the situation in Marathwada, where water availability stands at a mere 9.10%, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive water management strategies to avert further deterioration. In light of these challenges, the state government must implement robust measures to address the water crisis, including sustainable water conservation initiatives and infrastructure development to safeguard against future droughts.
