Paithan under grip of flood, 896 families shifted

Paithan, Aug 11 (UNI) Life in this famous pilgrimage centre of Aurangabad district has become tough as the residents here are able to move in the town only by boats, as half of the city has turned into a huge reservoir following continuous release of 2.50 lakh cusecs of water from the Jayakwadi dam situated here.

The authorities here have shifted nearly 896 families (4,661 persons) to eight relief camps set up in the town, till this morning, as the flood water has encircled half of the town, with a population of about 35,000, Additional Collector Dilip Jamadar, who has been camping here, told UNI.

Many prominent locations including the state transport bus stand, market, Saint Eknath Mandir premises have been surrounded by water.

While there are two boats pressed into the service of the residents by the authorities, about a dozen Tarafas (rafts) are being used by the residents for their movement in the town.

Mr Jamadar further said that the authorities have been trying their best to provide every assistance to the flood-affected people.

Besides Paithan city, the flood water has affected 13 villages of the tehsil where the authorities have shifted 2,824 families (11,556 persons) to 13 relief camps and has provided them food and other things, Mr Jamadar said.

The sources at the irrigation department said that the Jayakwadi project situated at Paithan has been receiving inflow of 2.51 lakh cusecs water and since the dam has already achieved its maximum storage capacity, they are forced to release 2.50 lakh cusecs of water in view of continuous rainfall in the catchment areas of the dam.

The heavy rainfall in Nashik district and subsequent release of water from dams caused heavy inflow of water in Jayakwadi. However, incessant rains gave a respite to Nashik district yesterday, and the authorities here expect situation to turn normal in next two days if Nashik does not receive rain.

UNI MPJ GB/PM AKJ BD1528