One drowns in Nashik flood

A person, a four-wheeler, four kiosks and two motorcycles were swept away in the flood after three days of incessant rain in Nashik, on Sunday. Alerts have been sounded in the low-lying areas while 10 persons trapped in the water were extricated by the fire brigade.

A total of 14,900 cusecs water was released in the Godavari river from Gangapur reservoir, causing flooding of the parched and second largest river in India. A total 87.3 mm rainfall was reported between 8.30 am to 2.30 pm on Sunday with earlier 79.3 mm during the last 24 hours, meteorological sources said.

Meanwhile, two persons fell in the Waldevi River on Sunday evening. Rescue personnel managed to save one man while the other drowned. The overflowing Godavari swept away one car, two motorcycles and four kiosks while scores of vehicles were trapped as the river flooded its banks.

Water was released to ease pressure in major reservoir in the district submerging Ramkund followed by other reservoirs in Girna and Darna rivers.

Agriculture experts have hoped for a wet drought to offset less rains since the last two years, and the Gangapur Reservoir has not been filled to its full capacity of 5,630 mcft. Similarly few of the 23 reservoirs were filled up since last two years.

NAFED director Nanasaheb Patil said, “Due to the lack of rainfall till first of July, sowing is impossible now except for maize, and farmers will have to forgo this kharif season. Three years in a row, there has been a shortfall in rainfall and the groundwater table is depleted.” He further hoped for a wet drought. “We have already lost this season. With heavy rainfall and water harvesting, we will be able to at least increase the groundwater table. During the next rabi season, we will be able to cash in on this water,” he said.