PUNE: There is 99.71 per cent storage in Bhatghar dam and 100 per cent storage in Neera Deoghar dam. Compared to last year, 0.29 TMC storage is less. Veer dam has a storage of 61.73 per cent and Gunjavani dam has a storage of 97.69 per cent. Apart from Veer dam, all other dams have 100 per cent storage. Last year also, the dams were filled 100 per cent. The government has declared drought in Baramati, Indapur, Daund and Purandar talukas which are dependent on Bhatghar dam water.
Baramati, Indapur and Purandar talukas are supplied water from Bhatghar, Neera Deoghar and Gunjavani dam through Veer dam from left and right canal. Water is supplied for drinking and agriculture. Drought has been announced in the taluka. Meanwhile, in Bhor and Velhe talukas, there is 39 per cent storage in Bhatghar, Neera Deoghar and Gunjavani dams. However, the dams are filled up to 100 per cent in monsoon and become empty in summer. The water from the dams is not useful for Bhor and Velhe talukas.
However, in Purandar taluka, 581.38 hectare land, 26, 917 hectare land in Baramati and 41, 267 hectare land in Indapur i.e. 68, 787 hectare land is cultivated and 37, 070 hectare land is irrigated i.e. totally 78, 337 hecatre land. However, drought has been declared in three talukas.
Bhor and Velhe talukas did not get rainfall in the last phase. Hence, the quantity of paddy grown will be limited and despite demands, drought has not been declared in Bhor taluka. Hence, farmers are unhappy and are asking whether a conclusion is being drawn that if a dam is full, it amounts to good rainfall.
