Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Rural areas of Marathwada are bearing the brunt of rising temperatures, with maximum temperatures hovering around 40 to 42 degrees Celsius across the region.
This is taking a toll on water reserves, and water supply through 156 tankers has now begun across 92 villages and hamlets in the division.
With the onset of May, this number has gone up. Tankers are currently operating in villages across three districts, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Latur, covering 36 hamlets.
Around 3 lakh citizens are now dependent on tanker water to quench their thirst. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, the headquarters of Marathwada, has the highest number of tankers currently in operation, at 115.
In Chhi Sambhajinagar, 84 wells have been requisitioned, 37 for tankers and 47 for other purposes. In Jalna, 42 wells and in Latur, 24 wells have been taken over. Including the remaining districts, a total of 268 wells are under government control. Of the 156 tankers currently supplying water, 156 are private and 5 are government-operated.
Box
Low Storage in Minor and Medium Projects
Among the region's 75 medium irrigation projects, water storage currently stands at 42%, while 758 minor projects hold 32%. The 11 major projects have around 53% storage. Overall, the division's water storage level is at 48%.
District Villages/Hamlets-- Tankers
Chh Sambhajinagar--85--115
Jalna------39---38
Hingoli---01---01
Latur----02-- 02
Total----127--156
Box
Good Rainfall Expected This Year
Dry and hot weather will persist until the end of May, with heat levels set to rise further. The monsoon may arrive after the first week of June. June and July are expected to bring rain accompanied by thunder and hail. Overall, this year should see good and satisfactory rainfall.
(Kirankumar Johare, Weather Expert)