Drought is intensifying in Maharashtra and the water stock is dwindling. Only 19.35% water stock left in reservoirs across the state, due to which a severe water scarcity looms large over Maharashtra.
According to DNA, water in state reservoirs has been plummeting speedily. In Maharashtra, the total storage in all reservoirs is 19.35% against 30.84% last year. Amravati region reservoirs have 24.07% water stock left against 20.79% last year. In Aurangabad, the worst-hit in the state, the water level in all reservoirs have dropped to 5.14% against 28.2 % last year. The second worst-affected region is Nagpur region which has 10.17% water stock against 15.91% previous year. While Nasik has 17.78% water stock against 32.66% last year, Pune region reservoirs are left with 23.26% water stock against 34.47% last year. The situation in the Konkan region is little better with dams here having 40.58% water stock against 47.57% last year.
In the reservoirs that provide water to Mumbai are also drying up, but have sufficient water. The Middle Vaitarna has got 24.59% water storage, Modak Sagar 50.46%, and Tansa 34%. Irrigation minister Girish Mahajan, irrigation minister told the DNA, “We have enough water stock that can be utilised till June. If we fail to get permission from the EC, we tour the drought-affected regions on private vehicles and figure out mitigation measures.”
