It is still 30 to 45 days before Monsoon finally arrives in India, but the levels of water in the dams and water reservoirs in Marathwada region of Maharashtra has reached an alarming 2%. Eight out of the 11 major dams in the region are at almost dead storage level that means the water from these dams cannot be taken out, it can only be flown out. Water at Manjara dam and Terna dam has dried up completely.
Also Read: Water crisis in Maharashtra Amplifies, 3% water in Marathwada Dams
This is the fourth time in the last 5 years that drought has made a comeback in the region. Last year at the same time the water levels at various dams and reservoirs were at 10%. "We are hopeful the Monsoon will come earlier," said state water resources minister Girish Mahajan in a hope that water needs will suffice the needs till Monsoon arrives. But the fact is being hopeful won't quench the thirst of people living there.
The government needs to act this year so that they can at least meet the needs next year. In Maharashtra, all the dams are at a combined strength of 16% of its complete capacity. In 2015, this was at 27%. Activist Kishor Tiwari, who is heading a task force for farmers, said the government should enforce a cut-back in cultivation of water-guzzling sugarcane in favour of more sustainable crops.
Image Credit: DeccanChronicle
