Create separate authority for water planning: Patil

Mumbai, Aug 11 (UNI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil today said the central Government should create a separate water planning authority in order to avoid any problems faced by the flooded districts in the state over the release of water from dams.

Talking to reporters, Mr Patil said after touring the flood-affected areas in the state, he realised that in some cases, the release of water from dams from various states could create problems.

Meanwhile, according to official sources, critical stage of water level continues at Pandharpur and Sangli. The water is flowing at 449 meters -- four meters above danger mark, while the Krishna river is at 48.10 ft, nearly four feet above the danger mark.

Almatti dam in Karnataka has released 2.6 lakh cusecs of water, while Pochampada dam in Andhra Pradesh has released 2.5 lakh cusecs.

The outflow and inflow in Jaikwadi dam is 2.5 lakh cusecs.

Out of 35 districts in Maharashtra, barring Mumbai and its suburbs, Latur, Osmanabad, Bhandara and Gondia all the 29 districts are facing floods, affecting over six lakh people.

The government has set up 761 relief camps and the Central government has sanctioned 5,000 tonnes of foodgrains and 2,000 kilo litres for kerosene for distribution.

According to weather bureau very to very heavy rainfall is expected in south Konkan and central Maharashtra, while the rainfall is also expected in Marathwada.

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