Maharashtra Water Crisis: Dams Water Level Drops to Alarming 41.3%; Pune Region Worst Hit

The water level in dams across Maharashtra has fallen to 41.3 per cent, with some regions facing even more critical shortages, according to a Hindustan Times report. The Pune region has the lowest water availability at just 36.31 per cent, while the Amravati region holds the highest at 50.09 per cent.

Maharashtra is home to 2,997 small, medium, and major dams, with a total storage capacity of 40,498 million cubic metres. As of mid-April, the stock in these dams was 30,034 million cubic metres, or 41.30 per cent of the total capacity. While this is 6 per cent higher than last year's stock of 35.16 per cent, the government remains concerned due to heatwave forecasts.

The Pune region is under particular strain, with water reserves at a dangerously low 36.31 per cent. With the monsoon season expected to cover the state by mid-July, the existing water supply must last until then.

In addition to dam water, water tankers have been playing a crucial role in ensuring water supply, especially in rural areas. According to a report from the Water Supply Department dated April 7, 223 tankers are currently supplying water to 178 villages and 606 hamlets across the state. Satara in the Pune division has the highest number of tankers, with 40, followed by Jalna in Marathwada with 32. Thane district also has 30 tankers providing essential water supplies.

Here's a breakdown of water levels by region:

• Nagpur: 41.49 per cent
• Amravati: 50.09 per cent
• Marathwada: 40.49 per cent
• Nashik: 43.90 per cent
• Pune: 36.31 per cent
• Konkan: 49.96 per cent
• Total water storage: 41.30 per cent

With summer heating up and concerns about dwindling water stocks, the authorities are keeping a close watch on water usage, especially in the most affected areas, as the state awaits the monsoon rains to replenish its supplies.