Administration gears up to face monsoon in Marathwada

Aurangabad, Maharashtra Jul 5 (UNI) The administration in Marathwada has geared itself up to tackle any eventuality in view of the monsoon that has caused havoc in many other parts of the State.

The administration has also decided to use force, if required, to shift those staying in the danger zone despite warnings.

At least 250 villages in the region are situated on the banks of various rivers.

It may be recalled that at least three lakh people had to be shifted to safer places in 2006, when the flood had wreaked havoc.

Worst affected was Nanded district, where the administration had to shift over 40,000 families, according to official sources.

The region had received more than the normal rainfall. However, despite this the situation was not alarming.

This year, from June 1 to July 5, the region received an average 197.5 mm rainfall. In the last corresponding year, the region had received 124 mm rainfall, during this period.

The level of major dams in Marathwada still has not recorded any considerable increase. For instance, Jayakwadi dam has till date 46 per cent storage of its capacity since the monsoon arrived. It has a storage capacity of 2,171 million cubic meter, sources said.

Similarly, Yeldari in Paraphani district has 24 per cent of storage against its capacity, Majalgaon and Manjra dams in Beed district have 28 and 8 per cent of its storage capacity, respectively.

Manar dam in Nanded district has only 10 per cent storage.

Sources pointed out that they have already alerted those living on the banks of various rivers including Godavari. Administration might use force to shift these people if required to avoid any loss of life, sources added.

UNI