Jayakwadi Dam Faces Severe Water Evaporation Amid Intense Heat Wave
The Jayakwadi major irrigation project, a critical water source in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, is experiencing a dramatic increase in evaporation losses, with approximately 2.3 million cubic metres (MCM) of water vanishing daily due to the ongoing heat wave conditions. This alarming rate of loss is more than seven times the daily water allocation of around 0.3 MCM lifted from the dam for drinking, industrial, and other essential needs across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna districts, among other areas.
Evaporation Losses Surge, Threatening Water Security
Mangesh Shelar, the in-charge of Jayakwadi dam, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the project is losing a week's worth of water stock reserved for drinking and other purposes in just a single day due to evaporation. "The dam releases daily water of around 0.3 MCM for drinking and industrial needs. On the other hand, evaporation losses are robbing off 2.3 MCM water in a single day presently," he stated. Shelar added that these losses are higher compared to the previous year and are inevitable, making them difficult to contain despite efforts.
Historical Context and Current Storage Levels
Hailed as a lifeline for parts of Marathwada, the Jayakwadi major irrigation project currently holds 55% live storage. Authorities cited historic data, revealing that the dam loses around 10 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water to evaporation annually, which accounts for nearly 10% of its designed storage capacity. The reservoir, known as Nath Sagar, boasts a vast catchment area of 21,750 square kilometres spread over Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Ahilyanagar districts, making it a vital resource for the region.
Heat Wave Intensifies Across Maharashtra
The evaporation spike coincides with soaring temperatures across Maharashtra. On Thursday, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 41.4 degrees Celsius, which was 2.7 units above the normal range. Other cities in Marathwada, such as Parbhani, registered 42 degrees Celsius, while Akola in Vidarbha remained the hottest in the state with mercury touching 44.2 degrees Celsius, according to official data. This intense heat wave is exacerbating water evaporation rates, posing significant challenges for water management and supply in the affected districts.
Impact on Water Resources:
- Evaporation losses at Jayakwadi dam have surged to 2.3 MCM per day.
- Daily water supply for drinking and industrial needs is only 0.3 MCM.
- The dam loses a week's water stock in a single day due to evaporation.
- Annual evaporation losses average 10 TMC, about 10% of storage capacity.
Regional Temperature Highlights:
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 41.4°C (2.7°C above normal).
- Parbhani: 42°C.
- Akola: 44.2°C (hottest in the state).
The combination of high evaporation rates and extreme heat underscores the urgent need for effective water conservation strategies to mitigate the impact on local communities and industries reliant on the Jayakwadi project.
