Groundwater Levels Plummet in Amravati District Amid Drought
Amravati district faces a critical decline in groundwater levels due to prolonged dry spells and high temperatures.
Three talukas in Amravati are classified as 'over-exploited'.
Groundwater levels have dropped to over 20 meters in some areas.
Authorities urge residents to conserve water amid rising concerns.
Amravati district is experiencing a significant drop in groundwater levels, attributed to extended dry spells, inconsistent rainfall, and increasing temperatures. The situation has escalated to the point where three talukas—Warud, Daryapur, and Chandur Bazaar—have been designated as 'over-exploited', while Morshi and Achalpur are categorized as 'critical'. The remaining talukas are currently classified as safe, but the overall depletion of water resources has raised alarms about potential water shortages.
In Warud, the urgent need to irrigate orange crops has led to extensive pumping from wells and borewells, resulting in groundwater levels plunging to depths exceeding 15-20 meters. The absence of rain for over 40 days during August and September has severely hindered natural recharge, causing many water sources to begin drying up. This alarming trend has prompted local authorities to call for water conservation measures among residents.
Daryapur, situated in the Purna river basin, is also facing groundwater challenges, with high total dissolved solids (TDS) rendering the water unsuitable for drinking and irrigation. The area has seen significant extraction of freshwater reserves to support cotton and other cash crops, but the ongoing dry conditions have restricted the replenishment of groundwater supplies.
Chandur Bazaar is similarly affected, with the water table recorded at over 20 meters during the summer months. Although an early-June flood in the Megha river temporarily boosted storage levels in the Purna Medium Project, the subsequent lack of rainfall has thwarted efforts to recharge groundwater in the region. The pressure from the cultivation of orange orchards and other horticultural crops has exacerbated the situation.
Officials have issued warnings that if the current rate of groundwater extraction continues, the situation could deteriorate further. The administration is emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management practices to mitigate the impending crisis and ensure adequate water availability for both agricultural and domestic use.
