Marathwada Dams Achieve Five-Year Peak with 80% Water Storage
In a significant development for water security in Maharashtra's Marathwada region, a total of 920 dams collectively maintained an average water stock ranging between 79% and 80% as of Saturday. Authorities have confidently stated that this substantial reservoir level is more than adequate to navigate the impending summer season and could even withstand a potential delay in the arrival of the next monsoon.
Record-Breaking Storage Levels Compared to Previous Years
Official data released by the Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (GMIDC) reveals that the cumulative storage in these dams is nearly 13% higher than the stock recorded during the same period last year. This marks the highest water storage level in Marathwada's dams in at least five years, showcasing a remarkable improvement in water management and conservation efforts.
Key Dams Show Exceptional Water Retention
Despite continuous water releases for drinking, agricultural, and industrial purposes, several major dams in the region continue to hold impressive water levels. The Jayakwadi major irrigation project in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar retains over 87% of its live storage capacity. Other crucial dams are also performing exceptionally well:
- Majalgaon Dam in Beed district maintains 89% water stock
- Manjra Dam in Beed district holds 90% water stock
- Lower Terna Dam in Dharashiv district retains 92% water stock
- Sina Kolegaon Dam in Dharashiv district maintains 85% water stock
Authorities Confirm No Water Scarcity Concerns
S K Sabbinwar, the superintendent engineer of the command area development authority at GMIDC, has provided reassuring news for residents and farmers. "No water scarcity is likely in Marathwada during the approaching summer season," he stated. Sabbinwar attributed this positive situation to the exceptional monsoon performance during the previous rainy season, which lasted from May through November and caused unprecedented floods in many parts of the region.
"All major dams in Marathwada, along with several other reservoirs in the region, overflowed during the last rainy season due to heavy rainfall," Sabbinwar explained. "The good run of the monsoon significantly increased groundwater levels and reduced dependency on water from dams, creating a buffer for the dry months ahead."
Strategic Water Management for Agricultural Needs
To ensure minimal disruption to agricultural activities and prevent losses for farmers, the GMIDC has implemented a comprehensive water management plan. The corporation has scheduled three water rotations specifically for the agricultural sector during the ongoing rabi season. Additionally, an equal number of rotations have been planned for the imminent hot weather season to support crops grown during summer months.
Detailed Storage Statistics Across Project Categories
Further analysis of official data provides a detailed picture of water storage across different project categories:
- 81 Major Irrigation Projects: These projects collectively showed 71% live storage as of Saturday, compared to nearly 60% storage during the same period last year
- 795 Minor Irrigation Projects: These smaller projects demonstrated 66% storage capacity, a significant improvement from the 41% live stock reported during the corresponding period last year
The combination of strategic planning, favorable monsoon conditions, and improved water conservation practices has positioned Marathwada region with its strongest water security outlook in recent years, providing relief to millions of residents and farmers who have historically faced water scarcity challenges during summer months.
