Only 3 per cent water left in Marathwada dams

This is a drastic decline in water storage as at this time last year, the level in Marathwada’s dams was much higher at 11 per cent, Aurangabad Divisional Commissioner Umakant Dangat told reporters. This is the fourth year of drought in Marathwada in the past five years. Each of its 8,522 villages have been affected for two consecutive years. 

“We have already cut water supply to (the) industry. The collectors and divisional commissioner have been instructed that the use of water for drinking is the top priority,” Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said. 

As many as 2,745 water tankers are being used in the region compared to 939 this time last year. Dams across the state have only 19 per cent water left compared to 32 per cent this time last year, an official said.