Maharashtra Government Mandates Extended Water Usage in Dams Until August 31
The state government of Maharashtra has issued a directive to irrigation authorities across the region to prolong the utilization of available water stock in dams until August 31. This marks a significant departure from normal practices, where dam authorities typically plan water usage to conclude by the end of June.
Enhanced Water Storage and El Nino Concerns
Currently, dams throughout Maharashtra possess more or less adequate water stock, which is expected to alleviate potential water scarcity conditions. The live storage stands at 53%, a notable increase compared to last year's 47%. This improved reserve is crucial as the state braces for the El Nino weather phenomenon.
Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, overseeing the Water Resources Department for Godavari Marathwada and Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation, and Girish Mahajan, minister for WRD in Vidharbha, Tapi, and Konkan's corporation, have formally communicated with authorities. Their letter emphasizes the need to extend water usage due to the impending El Nino conditions.
The letter states, "The El Nino condition is likely to set in, and rainfall activity will be reduced as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Authorities must ensure that dams maintain adequate water for drinking purposes until August 31, particularly during festival periods."
El Nino Predictions and Monitoring
According to the US National Weather Agency, there is a 62% probability of El Nino emerging between June and August, with chances rising to over 80% subsequently. El Nino involves unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which weakens winds that carry monsoon rains. The IMD, in its February bulletin, has confirmed it is closely monitoring these evolving conditions.
Strategic Water Allocation and Hydropower Considerations
M M Rasankar, executive engineer of the Koyna Irrigation Division, explained the strategic approach to water management. "We must allocate water stock for drinking, irrigation, and hydropower. Annually, 67 TMC is reserved for hydropower, of which 41 TMC has already been utilized. Currently, the Koyna dam holds 56 TMC in stock. Even if the entire quota for power generation is used, approximately 10 TMC will remain. Therefore, prolonging water use is feasible without reducing quotas for irrigation and hydropower."
A senior WRD official, who requested anonymity, added, "We have sufficient water stock, and in emergency situations, we can utilize the dead stock as well."
Potential Water Rationing in Urban Areas
Sources indicate that municipal corporations across Maharashtra may implement water rationing to conserve water from their allocated quotas. Historical data from the past decade shows that such measures typically begin in April and May. Cities like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nashik, Nagpur, and Kolhapur have resorted to rationing multiple times over the last ten years. Notably, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has been an exception, maintaining a continuous rationing mode for more than a decade.
