Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Amid rising summer demand, water storage in Marathwada’s medium irrigation projects has fallen below 48 per cent and minor projects to 39 per cent. With below-average rainfall forecast due to El Niño and over a month left for the monsoon, temperatures have touched 41°C and are expected to rise further, accelerating evaporation and depletion across reservoirs.
The region’s 11 major projects hold 60 per cent live storage on average. The 75 medium projects stand at 48 per cent, while 758 minor projects are at 39 per cent, with some reaching dead stock levels, according to the Command Area Development Authority.
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Hingoli, Parbhani worst hit
Hingoli’s 30 minor projects have just 10 per cent storage, while 22 medium projects in Parbhani are at 26 per cent.
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Water conservation drive
A ‘Water Fortnight’ campaign has been launched from April 15 to urge water user bodies and major consumers to use water judiciously.
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District-wise minor project storage (%):
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar – 99 (43%)
Jalna – 60 (36%)
Beed – 126 (31%)
Latur – 135 (45%)
Dharashiv – 206 (39%)
Nanded – 80 (49%)
Parbhani – 22 (26%)
Hingoli – 30 (10%)