Maharashtra's Dam Water Levels Dip To 41% Ahead Of Peak Summer, Pune Holding Least Capacity; Check Details

Mumbai: Maharashtra is facing mounting concern over its rapidly depleting water reserves, with the current stock in dams across the state falling to just 41.3 per cent of their total live storage capacity. The Pune region is experiencing the most critical situation, with its reservoirs holding only 36.31 per cent of their capacity.

Meanwhile, the Amravati region is in the most stable position with 50.09 per cent water stock. Authorities are under pressure as the current reserves need to sustain the state's water needs until at least mid-July, when the monsoon is expected to fully cover the region.

The state is home to 2,997 dams, ranging from small to major structures, with a combined live storage capacity of 40,498 million cubic metres. As of mid-April, only 30,034 million cubic metres of water remains, making up the 41.3 per cent stock, reported Hindustan Times. While this is marginally better than last year’s figure of 35.16 per cent for the same period, officials remain cautious. The heightened concern is driven by forecasts of an intense heatwave, which could further stress the already fragile water situation.

Water Tankers Used To Supply Water To Rural & Semi-rural Areas

In response, the state government is relying increasingly on water tankers to support rural and semi-rural populations. According to the water supply department’s latest data from April 7, as many as 223 tankers are currently operational, delivering water to 178 villages and 606 hamlets. Satara in the Pune division has the highest number of tankers at 40, followed by Jalna in Marathwada with 32 tankers. Thane district is also under pressure, with 30 tankers supplying potable water to its residents.

The situation is being closely monitored in all regions. The Konkan region has a slightly better standing with 49.96 per cent stock, while Nagpur and Nashik are at 41.49 per cent and 43.9 per cent respectively. Marathwada, long known for its water scarcity issues, is at 40.49 per cent, still vulnerable despite marginally better figures than Pune.

As temperatures continue to rise and rainfall remains a distant hope, state officials are preparing for a summer that may demand even more tanker deployments and stricter water conservation measures. The government has urged citizens to use water judiciously, while authorities remain on alert to prevent any escalation into a full-blown water crisis.

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