Water stock in state’s major dams over 70%

MUMBAI: After four dry years, Maharashtra may not have to battle drought this time around, with good rain increasing the water stock in many of the state’s major

MUMBAI: After four dry years, Maharashtra may not have to battle drought this time around, with good rain increasing the water stock in many of the state’s major dams and reservoirs. Figures from the state water resources department show the total water stock in all dams stands at 73% .

HT Image

At Jayakwadi, the biggest irrigation project in Marathwada — hit worst by the drought — the water stock went up to 61% for the first time in five years. Last year, this figure was 6%. Jayakwadi supplies drinking water to four cities, industrial clusters and more than 500 villages in Marathwada.

Since the onset of the monsoon, the state has been getting good rainfall, with some regions like Nashik even facing floods from the Godavari River. Four reservoirs supplying water to Mumbai — Modaksagar, Tansa, Vihar and Tulsi — has also filled up sufficiently.

The state administration is now hoping Jayakwadi reaches full capacity after eight long years. “In the last five years, Jayakwadi has not received this much water. The situation has improved because of good rains. We are now hoping to see Jayakwadi reach its full capacity after 2008,” divisional commissioner Aurangabad Umakant Dangat told HT.