Monsoon arrives in Maharashtra, but reservoir levels still low

Full only till 14 per cent of their capacity

Published on:

13 Jun 2013, 3:29 pm

South-west monsoon arrived in Maharashtra on June 4, earlier than expected. Nearly 60 per cent of the drought-hit state’s districts have received more than 100 per cent of average rainfall in the first 10 days of June. However, the state may not be able to recover from the persistent water crisis any time soon. Water stored in the reservoirs, particularly in the districts facing scarcity, is running out by the day, according to reports by the water resources department on rainfall and water storage in reservoirs of the state. For the situation to improve, consistent spells of rains are needed, say observers.

Low on water

According to reports, the reservoirs are holding only 14 per cent of their total water capacity. Marathwada, the region worst affected by drought, has reservoirs filled only to 4 per cent of their capacity, compared to 5 per cent last year.

Monsoon cues farmers’ pre-sowing season activity

Sowing has picked up slowly, states a recent statement by the Chief Minister’s Office. Of the state’s 134.69 lakh hectares under kharif crops, 0.3 per cent of the area had been sowed till June 10. In Konkan, Kolhapur and Pune divisions, pre-sowing activity for rice crops is on in full swing.
Between June 1 and 10, as many as 177 of the state’s 355 talukas have received more than 100 per cent rainfall. In 124 other talukas, rainfall was between 50 and 100 per cent of the average for the same period.
Despite above average rainfall, 5,456 tankers supply water through tankers to villages as compared with 2,554 tankers last year.

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