Kolhapur: A sharp rainfall deficit has been recorded in Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara districts in the first fortnight of June, forcing authorities to impose restrictions on agricultural water use, officials said.
Rainfall in the early phase of the monsoon has been significantly below normal, with Kolhapur recording a 76% deficit, Satara 65%, and Sangli 50%. The dry spell has left farmers in a dilemma over whether to begin sowing or wait for more rain.
Irrigation officials said the weak start is in line with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department, which has indicated a possible El Niño influence this year leading to below-normal rainfall. As a precaution, authorities have prioritised drinking water supply over irrigation.
Accordingly, a ban on pumping water for agricultural use has come into effect from June 15 across key river stretches and will remain in force until further orders. The restriction covers the Krishna river basin from Koyna dam to the Rajapur barrage along the Maharashtra-Karnataka border, spanning parts of Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur. A similar ban has been enforced along the Panchaganga, Bhogavati, Dudhganga, Warna, Tulshi, Kasari, Kadvi, Kumbhi, and Dhamni-Jambhali rivers in Kolhapur district.
Officials warned of strict action against violations. “Under the provisions of sections 51(3) and 97 of the Maharashtra Irrigation Act, 1976, if unauthorised pumping is detected during this ban period, the pumping equipment will be confiscated. The licence holder's pumping license and electricity supply will be revoked for one year. The irrigation department will not be held liable for any resulting losses. This order has been issued under the powers vested by the provisions of sections 51(3) and 97 of the Maharashtra Irrigation Act, 1976,” said Seema S. Mohite, the executive engineer of the Sangli irrigation department.
With rainfall remaining uncertain, authorities are closely monitoring reservoir levels and water usage, even as farmers brace for a delayed and potentially weaker sowing season.
Against normal rainfall of 181.5mm, Kolhapur district has only received about 4mm so far this season, logging a deficit of 76%. Similarly, against a normal of 129mm rainfall in Sangli, the district has got 64.6mm, which is a shortfall of 50.1%. Meanwhile, Satara got 34.8mm rainfall against the usual 97.1mm, which is a deficit of 65%.
