Water levels in dams remain low

Mumbai: Although the monsoon hit the state a fortnight ago, Marathwada region continues to reel under drought.

At present, 832 tankers are supplying water to Marathwada villages. Meanwhile, Hingoli, Nanded, Latur and Osmanabad districts have received only 61 per cent of the average rainfall so far.

According to the water resources department, the Aurangabad division, which covers the Marathwada region, has recorded the worst water storage level in dams. The water storage level in dams under its jurisdiction is at a dismal 0.81 per cent.

The Aurangabad division is followed by the Amravati division, where the water storage level stands at 8.47 per cent. The Nagpur division, meanwhile, does not fare any better, with its water storage level at just 8.68 per cent.

The highest water storage level has been recorded in the Konkan division at 53.83 per cent, followed by Pune division at 32.33 per cent. The Nashik division has recorded a water storage level of 15.27 per cent.

Overall, the state’s water storage level  stands at 20.94 per cent (July 14), while it was 33.65 percentage last year.

An official of Relief and Rehabilitation Department said that Palghar, Thane, Pune, Satara, and Sangli districts have received highest rainfall so far. These districts, the official said, have received 85 per cent of its average rainfall until  11 July.

He said that the 4532 water tankers are currently being supplied to water-scarce districts, Rs 562 crore has been disbursed to collectors for relief measures in region, he added.

The government had announced drought in 151 tehsils initially on October 31, 2018. Out of 151 tahsils, 112 are facing severe drought.