Chandrapur Faces 73% Groundwater Decline Amid Drought Concerns
Nagpur division experiences alarming groundwater depletion, raising fears of a drinking water crisis.
Groundwater levels in Nagpur division have dropped by 42% compared to the last five years.
Chandrapur district is the most affected, with a staggering 73% reduction in groundwater levels.
The upcoming rabi season is at risk due to severe drought conditions impacting crop yields.
The Nagpur division is grappling with a significant decline in groundwater levels, attributed to a deficient monsoon season. Recent data from the state's Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA) reveals that groundwater levels were 42% lower at the end of September compared to the average for the same month over the past five years. This alarming trend has raised concerns about a potential drinking water crisis and a challenging rabi season ahead.
Chandrapur district has emerged as the hardest hit area, experiencing a drastic 73% reduction in groundwater levels. The water table in Chandrapur fell by 1.25 meters, reaching 2.97 meters below ground level, a stark contrast to the previous five-year average of 1.72 meters. Other districts in the division also reported significant declines, with Nagpur district experiencing a 52% drop and Wardha at 55% lower than their respective averages.
The analysis indicates that the six-district division saw an average decline of 0.80 meters in groundwater levels, with the current water table at 2.70 meters below ground level. Bhandara recorded a 46% decline, while Gadchiroli and Gondia experienced relatively minor reductions of 16% and 6%, respectively. The GSDA's monitoring network, which includes 622 observation wells across the region, highlights the severity of the situation.
The implications of this groundwater depletion are dire, particularly as the state faces increasing drought conditions. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who leads the cabinet sub-committee on drought, noted extensive losses in key crops such as soyabean, tur, cotton, and maize. He cautioned that the upcoming rabi season may not yield satisfactory results in many affected areas, further exacerbating the water scarcity issue.
Since 1996-97, the GSDA has been conducting annual assessments of rainfall and groundwater levels, providing crucial data for predicting drinking water shortages. This exercise, mandated by the Maharashtra Groundwater (Regulation for Drinking Water Purposes) Act, 1993, serves as an essential tool for managing water resources in the state as the situation continues to evolve.
