Maharashtra Water Crisis: Despite the early signs of monsoon, Maharashtra is witnessing a concerning decline in water storage levels across its major dams. According to recent data from the State Water Resources Department, only 28.09 per cent of the total water stock remains in key reservoirs. Although this is slightly more than last year’s 23.43 per cent recorded on the same date, the available water fit for use is limited to 8,166.17 million cubic metres (MCM). Experts worry this amount may fall short of meeting drinking, agricultural and industrial needs until steady rainfall begins.

Mumbai Water Crisis

The situation is especially concerning for Mumbai, which depends on seven reservoirs including Bhatsa, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Tulsi and Vihar for daily supply. The combined water stock in these lakes is currently at 19.17 per cent of total capacity. While this is an improvement from last year’s 13.63 per cent, it remains far from sufficient for a city of over two crore residents, which consumes around 4,000 million litres of water each day.

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Maharashtra Water Crisis: Pune Records Lowest Water Level

Among the state’s divisions, Pune has the lowest remaining water stock at 21.52 per cent, as per a News 18 report. In comparison, Amravati leads with 38.13 per cent, followed by Konkan at 34.15 per cent, Nagpur at 32.79 per cent, Nashik at 31.35 per cent and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at 31.23 per cent. These numbers show that the water shortage is affecting regions across the state, not just isolated areas.

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Large Projects Also Seeing Decline

Water levels also differ depending on the type of project. Medium-sized dams in the state hold 38.98 per cent of their capacity, while small projects are at 31.55 per cent and large state-run projects have dropped to 29.94 per cent.

In Nashik, the overall water level stands at 28.36 per cent, which equals 18,624 million cubic feet (MCF). However, the Gangapur dam, which supplies water to Nashik city, holds a better 44.40 per cent. Some other dams in the region such as Alandi (12.62 per cent), Kashyapi (35.58 per cent) and Gautami Godavari (9 per cent) have reported critically low levels. The Manikpunj dam has already dried up and several others are fast approaching similar conditions.