Uran: The water level in Ransai Dam, which supplies drinking water to 26 village panchayats with a population of nearly 1.75 lakh, has drastically declined. With only enough water to last until June 30, residents of Uran taluka are now facing severe water shortages, along with scheduled water cuts twice a week.
Since February-March, several villages, including Karanja and Kegaon, have been struggling with acute water scarcity. In Karanja, residents must wait 12-15 days for water, while nearly 17,000 people in Kegaon Gram Panchayat and tribal hamlets in Chirner and Ransai are also suffering. The depletion of wells, ponds, and borewells has made matters worse, forcing villagers, especially women, to travel long distances to fetch water. Villages that previously received water every two to three days are now waiting for up to 10 days.
Water Cuts and Rising Expenses
To manage the crisis, authorities have imposed water cuts on Tuesdays and Fridays. However, many residents are now forced to spend ₹100-₹150 daily on bottled water, adding financial strain, particularly on the poor.
"In Karanja and Kegaon, people are going without water for up to 15 days. Other villages in the taluka are also suffering," said Dnyaneshwar Sonawane, Deputy Engineer of Uran MIDC.
Wedding Season Brings Additional Burden
The ongoing wedding season has intensified the crisis, with families spending heavily on mineral water for ceremonies. The additional expenses have severely impacted their budgets, making it even more difficult to cope with the water shortage.
Meanwhile, authorities urge residents to use water cautiously and adopt conservation measures to navigate the worsening situation.