Nagpur District Faces Severe Drought as Water Levels Plummet
Drought conditions declared across all 14 talukas in Nagpur as water levels in major reservoirs drop significantly.
Nagpur's five major reservoirs are only 61.03% full, down from nearly full last year.
The Totladoh reservoir, crucial for the region, is at just 55.34% capacity.
An estimated shortfall of 114 MCM threatens irrigation for 65,000 hectares of farmland.
Drought has been officially declared in all 14 talukas of Nagpur district, where water levels in five major reservoirs have drastically declined over the past year. As of September 28, the combined water storage in these reservoirs stands at 884.97 million cubic meters (MCM), which is only 61.03% of their total capacity of 1,449.99 MCM. This is a stark contrast to the previous year, when the reservoirs were nearly at full capacity on the same date.
The five key reservoirs include Totladoh, Navegaon Khairi, Khindsi, Wadgaon, and Nand. Among them, Totladoh, which is integral to the Pench irrigation system, is the most concerning, currently holding only 55.34% of its capacity with 562.81 MCM. Last year, it was almost full at 99.92%. Similarly, Wadgaon has dropped to 60.76% from full capacity, while Khindsi is at 76.67%, and Navegaon Khairi is at 81.22%. Nand, despite having the highest storage at 86.33%, is also below last year's levels.
The Water Resources Department (WRD) has indicated that the available water must be judiciously allocated for both irrigation and drinking needs. Of the 763.57 MCM assessed in the three primary reservoirs—Totladoh, Navegaon Khairi, and Khindsi—approximately 121 MCM is expected to be lost to evaporation, and 217 MCM is earmarked for drinking water supply to Nagpur and Bhandara districts, as well as for industrial use. This leaves only about 436 MCM available for irrigation, which falls short of the 550 MCM required for the kharif season.
The drought's implications are significant, as nearly 65,000 hectares of farmland in the district rely on irrigation. With the reservoirs' water levels declining, the local administration faces the challenge of balancing agricultural needs with drinking water and industrial demands. The current figures highlight that water stress is not limited to the Pench system, underscoring the seriousness of the drought declaration as the region transitions into the post-monsoon period.
Looking ahead, the situation remains precarious, with the potential for further water shortages as the kharif season progresses. The administration is urged to implement effective water management strategies to mitigate the impact on agriculture and ensure adequate water supply for the community.
