Maharashtra is on the brink of a severe water crisis as the state’s dams record a significant 21% decrease in water storage compared to the previous year. The inadequate rainfall, attributed to the adverse effects of El Niño on the monsoon, has left dams across all six divisions with only 66% of their storage capacity, raising concerns about the impending water scarcity in numerous districts.
The 2,595 small and large dams under the jurisdiction of the state’s Water Resources Department, crucial for sustaining agriculture, business, and industry, are grappling with the aftermath of a rainfall deficit. Regions such as Konkan, Vidarbha, Middle Maharashtra, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra are already experiencing water scarcity, with potential ramifications extending into the summer months.
Regional Breakdown of Dam Storage:
- Nagpur Division:
- 2023: 71.78%
- 2022: 79.49%
- Amravati Division:
- 2023: 75.62%
- 2022: 91.52%
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Division:
- 2023: 37.63%
- 2022: 87.31%
- Nashik Division:
- 2023: 70.61%
- 2022: 89.89%
- Pune Division:
- 2023: 70.39%
- 2022: 88.08%
- Konkan Division:
- 2023: 82.63%
- 2022: 83.15%
The cumulative water storage for Maharashtra’s dams stands at a worrisome 66.31% in 2023, compared to the more favorable 87.10% recorded the previous year. This stark contrast underscores the severity of the water crisis looming over the state, raising concerns about the ability of these vital water sources to meet the needs of various sectors in the coming months.
