Chandrapur Faces Water Crisis Threatening 20 Industrial Projects

Chandrapur is bracing for a significant water shortage that could disrupt industrial activities across Vidarbha starting in December. This situation threatens to delay the initiation of approximately 20 proposed projects within the district, raising concerns among local industry leaders.

The Chandrapur MIDC Industries Association has expressed the need for immediate collaboration between industrial stakeholders and district administrations to address the impending crisis. According to the association's president, Madhusudan Roongta, major industries in the area rely heavily on the Wardha River for their water supply, making them particularly susceptible to any reductions in available industrial water.

Roongta has called for regular review meetings every two weeks to evaluate water availability, track consumption patterns, and ensure fair distribution among industries. He emphasized the importance of enhancing rainwater harvesting, recycling wastewater, and developing alternative water sources to lessen reliance on traditional supplies. Furthermore, he highlighted that the needs for drinking water and livestock should take precedence over industrial usage.

The potential water shortage not only poses a threat to industrial operations but also raises alarms for the agricultural sector. Key crops such as soybean, tur, gram, and cotton, along with rabi cultivation, are at risk, which could lead to decreased agricultural yields and increased food prices. Roongta has also suggested investigating the possibility of utilizing large water reservoirs from Western Coalfields Ltd. mines as an alternative water source to mitigate the shortage.

With the looming water crisis threatening both current industrial operations and future investments, Roongta has stressed the urgency of immediate planning and coordinated conservation efforts. These measures are crucial to protect the industrial growth of Vidarbha and ensure sustainable development in the region.