Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Amid forecasts of deficient rainfall and a likely El Niño impact, authorities have ordered that water from all dams across Marathwada, including the Jayakwadi reservoir, be reserved exclusively for drinking purposes, with irrigation releases banned until further notice. Acting divisional commissioner Vinay Gauda GC announced the directive on Monday.
Conservation Priority
The directive comes as the region braces for potential drought conditions, prompting officials to prioritise conservation of existing reservoir stocks. A key concern is protecting the remaining 28% water stock in the Jayakwadi dam, Marathwada’s lifeline. Authorities flagged ongoing large-scale lifting of water through electric pumps around the reservoir.
Strict Enforcement
Jayakwadi executive engineer Ganesh Hase said strict steps would follow. “If necessary, assistance from MSEDCL and the police department will be sought to prevent unauthorised water extraction,” he said, adding that farmers would first be asked to voluntarily remove such pumps.
High-Level Review
The decision follows a high-level review chaired by the state chief secretary on Monday, attended by district collectors and officials from water resources, agriculture and water supply departments.
Cropping Pattern Advisory
The agriculture department has advised farmers to alter cropping patterns based on rainfall. Officials said water-intensive crops like moong and urad may not be viable if the deficit persists, recommending drought-resistant tur and low-water crops like bajra as alternatives.
Ground Reality
Meanwhile, water scarcity is already visible on the ground. With no rain in the past eight days, several borewells in urban areas have dried up, increasing reliance on tanker supply. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city currently receives water once a week, while 72 municipal councils across Marathwada receive water supply roughly once every four days.
Future Outlook
Despite the tight situation, officials said current reservoir stocks are projected to meet drinking water needs until August next year, provided strict conservation measures are enforced.
