Maharashtra dams have higher water storage amid El Nino concern

Mumbai: The state cabinet on Wednesday was informed that dams across Maharashtra currently have approximately 653.63 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) water storage. This year's storage is 101.77 TMC more compared to last year, when it stood at 551.86 TMC.However, with the possibility of irregular rains on account of the El Niño effect this year, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said there is a need for judicious use of water to tackle possible scarcity next year.Deepak Kapoor, additional chief secretary, water resources department, made a presentation on water storage levels in all dams across the state and the likely impact of the El Niño effect. Kapoor informed that in 2014 due to the El Niño effect, water storage declined by 12% and in 2015 by 14%, resulting in water scarcity in both years. Fadnavis said austerity measures need to be implemented to ensure drinking water remains available until Aug end 2026.