Nagpur: With temperatures in the city nearing 47 degrees Celsius and rural water sources depleting rapidly, the district administration has initiated the release of water from the Pench project into canals and natural streams to address drinking water shortages.
Rural Water Crisis Intensifies
A senior official confirmed that several rivers, wells, and borewells in interior areas have either dried up or recorded a sharp decline in water levels. In response to repeated demands from affected villages, water has been released through the Right Bank Canal (RBC) of the Pench project.
Regulated Water Release
Following approval from the collector, the release is being carried out in a regulated manner. Approximately 100 to 150 cusecs of water is being discharged cautiously to prevent wastage and ensure equitable distribution, the official added.
The release began on Sunday, with water now reaching nullahs connected to the canal network. Authorities also mentioned that water was released from the Sur River system over the past 8 to 15 days to support scarcity-hit pockets.
Pench Storage Remains Comfortable
Despite the ongoing crisis in several villages, officials stated that the overall storage position in the Pench system remains comfortable for now. Combined live storage across the three dams, including the Khairi reservoir system, stands at around 56 percent, according to district administration estimates.
The administration is closely monitoring the situation as extreme heat persists across the region, further straining rural drinking water supplies ahead of the monsoon.
