Amravati Division Dams Report Only 62% Water Storage
As the monsoon season concludes, water levels in Amravati division dams reveal a concerning decline compared to last year.
Amravati division dams currently hold only 62.07% of their useful live storage.
Major projects like Upper Wardha and Khadakpurna are critically low, with 58.42% and 3.77% storage respectively.
The region faces potential water scarcity challenges for irrigation and drinking needs in the upcoming summer.
The Amravati division is facing a significant decline in water storage levels as the monsoon season comes to an end. Recent reports indicate that the total useful live storage across 287 dams in the region stands at only 62.07%. This is a stark contrast to the previous year when most dams reported over 95% storage, highlighting the impact of this year's deficient rainfall.
Among the nine major projects in the division, the situation is particularly alarming. The Upper Wardha (Nal Damayanti Sagar) dam, which supplies water to Amravati city, currently holds just 58.42% of its capacity, a drastic drop from 99.34% recorded on the same date last year. The Khadakpurna project in Buldhana district is in a critical state, with a mere 3.77% live storage, down from 95.96% the previous year. Similarly, the Katepurna dam in Akola has only 18.58% water stock compared to its full capacity last year.
In contrast, the division's 27 medium projects have fared slightly better, with an average of 68.09% water storage. Notably, the Saikheda and Waghadi projects in Yavatmal district are at full capacity, with water being discharged through spillways. Dams like Chandrabhaga and Purna in Amravati district also show relatively good conditions with 98.44% and 97.46% storage respectively. However, the 251 minor projects in the division average only 60.91% water stock, indicating potential challenges for rural irrigation and drinking water supply.
This year's water storage levels represent a significant decline compared to the average over the past five years. If the retreating monsoon does not bring adequate rainfall, local authorities will face substantial challenges in managing water resources, likely prioritizing drinking water needs over agricultural irrigation and planning for the upcoming rabi season.
Looking ahead, the situation necessitates urgent attention and strategic planning from the administration to mitigate the impending water scarcity crisis. As summer approaches, effective management of the available water resources will be crucial to ensure the needs of both urban and rural populations are met.
