More Water In Vidarbha Dams Than Rest Of Maha | Nagpur News

Nagpur: Despite concerns over a possible El Nino impact, dams in Vidarbha are in a better position compared to state’s other regions. Dams in Nagpur division are filled over 30% of their capacity, almost on par with levels recorded last year. In Amravati division, reservoirs are at 37.64%, slightly higher than corresponding period last year.Overall, water levels in dams across Maharashtra have dipped another 2% over past week as large parts of the state continue to await rainfall. According to data from water resources department (WRD), combined storage across nearly 3,000 big, medium and small dams has dropped from over 24% last week to 22.68% as of Wednesday (June 24). In just last two days, levels have fallen from 23.19% to 22.68%, a decrease of 0.51%. Data shows 18 dams across state have completely dried up. In absolute terms, against total storage capacity of 40,861 million cubic metres (MCM), current water stock stands at just over 9,200 MCM.The situation is severe in Pune division, where dam storage has fallen to just 13%, compared to more than 44% at this time last year. Konkan division follows, with reservoirs at 27% capacity; during the same period last year, storage there was around 50%.Officials were directed to halt release of water for irrigation until August 31. Strict monitoring will take place to prevent unauthorised water lifting from canals by farmers. Agriculture dept has advised farmers to delay sowing operations until at least 100 mm of rainfall. TNN