Amidst mounting concerns over water scarcity, more than 25 dams across Maharashtra have reached the critical dead storage level, indicating a severe depletion of water reserves, as revealed by irrigation department sources.
The term “dead storage level” refers to a point where the water level descends below the height of dam gates, resulting in 0.00% storage capacity. Among the impacted regions, Marathwada bears the brunt of the water crisis, with a majority of the dams registering 0.00% storage. Notable among these are six dams in Dharashiv district (formerly Osmanabad) and four in Latur. In Vidarbha, the Kalisarar project in Gondia and Khadakpurna in Buldhana are among the affected large-scale irrigation projects.
The current average water level across all dams in the state stands at a mere 23% of their total capacity, painting a grim picture of the water situation. Experts highlight that while there is no fixed standard for determining the minimum storage level required, the depletion rate of reservoirs has accelerated compared to the same period last year. For instance, at this time last year, the reservoirs were filled to 34% of their capacity.
The alarming decline in dam levels underscores the pressing need for urgent measures to mitigate the water crisis. Authorities must implement sustainable water management strategies and encourage conservation efforts to alleviate the impact on both agricultural and urban sectors. Additionally, proactive steps such as rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation practices are essential to mitigate the effects of prolonged water scarcity.
The situation calls for coordinated efforts from government bodies, local communities, and stakeholders to address the immediate challenges and work towards long-term water security solutions. As Maharashtra grapples with the repercussions of dwindling water reserves, proactive intervention is imperative to safeguard the state from the far-reaching consequences of water scarcity.
