A Water Resources Department (WRD) review has issued a stark warning: nearly 37% of the region's planned water utilisation until August 31 could be lost to evaporation due to the impending 'Super El Nino' effect, which threatens below-normal rainfall and prolonged heat spells across Vidarbha.
Projected Water Losses
An internal review note of the water resources department, accessed by TOI, reveals that authorities expect to utilise 655.52 million cubic metres (Mcum) of water across six Vidarbha districts — Nagpur, Wardha, Gondia, Bhandara, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli — between May 1 and August 31. The department projects that 245.69 Mcum will be lost to evaporation due to extreme heat conditions, followed by 223.06 Mcum for irrigation, 115.37 Mcum for drinking purposes, and 71.40 Mcum for industrial use.
Current Reservoir Storage
The reservoirs in the Nagpur regional division under the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) currently hold 2,232.49 Mcum of water, which is 541.51 Mcum more than the corresponding period last year. However, according to projections, reservoir storage across the six districts may decline to 1,627.46 Mcum by September 1 after accounting for drinking water supply, irrigation, industrial use, and evaporation losses.
Heat Wave Preparedness Review
A senior department official stated that the estimates for this year were prepared based on past trends and previous years' reservoir data. The projections emerged during a 'Heat Wave Preparedness and Water Scarcity 2026' review meeting chaired by the divisional commissioner on May 14. Officials reviewed reservoir conditions across the districts amid forecasts of below-normal rainfall and prolonged dry spells this monsoon season.
Infrastructure and Storage Disparities
The Nagpur regional division under VIDC manages 370 dams and barrages, including 12 major, 43 medium, and 315 minor projects. Despite higher storage than last year, officials appear wary. Sources said the department has unusually postponed its critical water reservation review until August 31, instead of relying on the conventional March assessment.
The review note also highlights stark regional disparities in water security. Nagpur district alone accounts for 931 Mcum of current storage and is projected to retain 773.36 Mcum by September-end. In contrast, Gadchiroli's available stock stands at only 88.75 Mcum, while Chandrapur may be left with just 160.16 Mcum after the planned drawal period.
Urban Water Management Concerns
The findings have intensified concerns over water management practices in urban areas, particularly Nagpur city, where nearly 40% of treated water is estimated to be lost through leakages, theft, and illegal connections. During a review meeting on Monday chaired by guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, civic authorities were directed to identify leakage hotspots and crack down on unauthorised water usage, said an official privy to the development.
Potential Curtailment of Industrial Allocations
Officials are also internally assessing whether industrial water allocations may need curtailment if rainfall remains deficient. While the department maintains there is no immediate water scarcity in the region, the review note makes it clear that Vidarbha's water security this year will depend heavily on how quickly and how much the monsoon revives the rapidly depleting reservoirs.
