Nagpur's Water Reservoirs Plummet to 61% Capacity Amid Drought
Drought conditions worsen in Nagpur as five major reservoirs report a significant drop in water levels, complicating resource allocation.
All 14 talukas in Nagpur district are now drought-affected.
Five major reservoirs hold only 61% of their total capacity, down from nearly full last year.
An estimated shortfall of 114 MCM for irrigation threatens agricultural operations.
Drought conditions in Nagpur have escalated, with all 14 talukas in the district officially declared as drought-affected. The Water Resources Department (WRD) reported that the water storage in five key reservoirs has fallen to 61.03% of their total capacity, creating significant challenges for the allocation of water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes.
As of September 28, the combined storage in these reservoirs stands at 884.97 million cubic meters (MCM), a stark contrast to the previous year when they were nearly at full capacity. The drought declaration follows the Trigger-1 guidelines of Maharashtra’s Drought Management Code, which considers both rainfall deficiencies and prolonged dry spells as critical factors.
Currently, 265 out of 358 talukas in Maharashtra have been declared drought-affected, with Nagpur district's affected areas including Nagpur rural, Kamptee, Saoner, and others. The five reservoirs in question have a total capacity of 1,449.99 MCM. Notably, Totladoh, the largest reservoir, is a major concern, holding only 55.34% of its capacity compared to nearly full levels last year. Other reservoirs like Wadgaon and Khindsi also show significant drops in storage.
The allocation of available water is becoming increasingly complex as the administration must balance competing needs. Approximately 121 MCM is expected to be lost to evaporation, with 217 MCM reserved for drinking water and industrial use. This leaves only about 436 MCM available for irrigation, which falls short of the 550 MCM needed for the kharif season, resulting in a potential deficit of 114 MCM. This situation directly impacts around 65,000 hectares of farmland in the district, highlighting the urgent need for effective water management.
As Nagpur transitions into the post-monsoon phase, the administration faces the critical task of allocating the remaining water resources among drinking, agricultural, and industrial needs. The latest assessments of reservoir levels and sector-specific water allocations will play a crucial role in determining how the district navigates this challenging situation.
