Marathwada is one particular part of the country that is bearing the beating of unrelenting weather for a long time. Heatwave has engulfed the region like cast of black magic. There were reports of water levels in Marathwada dams dropping down to 2 percent but, the latest reports by the governing bodies tell a tale that is horrific by any means.
The water levels in the dams and reservoirs of the region dropped to mere 1 percent. The dismal drop in the water levels can be attributed to a lot of reasons – Reasons why Marathwada is drought affected.
Aurangabad Divisional Commissioner Umakant Dangat said that even with the water level dropping to such low levels, the region’s water needs will be fulfilled by the drawing water from Jaikwadi Dam till the July end. That is well before the time when monsoon sets in.
Also Read: Water crisis in Maharashtra Amplifies, 3% water in Marathwada Dams
This is the second time consecutively when the region is suffering from drought and fourth time in the last five years. There are around 3600 water tankers that do rounds in the region which provides water in villages and hamlets.
Latur, the city that received water from the trains also lay in this region only.
Also Read: 5 men from Latur to raise funds to end the water crisis in the region
Skymet Weather forecast a 105% of LPA – above normal rainfall in the country. But for that to actually happen will take time. The monsoon has just reached Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It will take up time to reach the drought affected region. Farmers, agri-based companies, government officials - everyone hopes for a good monsoon, chances of that happening are good but it will take time as of now.
Clearly the number of reservoirs in the region is not capable to hold the needs of growing population.
Image Credit: zeenews and bbc