Grim water situation likely in Amravati division

AMRAVATI: A drought-like situation looms large over the region with no signs of rains after a prolonged dry spell. The water situation has worsened to the extent that around 211 tankers have been pressed into service in 235 villages though July, the rainy month, is just a day away.
Water storage in dams of five districts in Amravati division has taken a hit.Major projects in the division have only 21.32% water storage. Medium projects have 21.04% and small ones 12.92% water storage. The situation was better last year when the water level in major dams was 30.63%.
Upper Wardha in Amravati district has 27.42% water storage while Pus project in Yavatmal has 10.15%, Arunavati and Bembla have 25.36% and 24.41% water storage respectively. The situation in Akola is worse with 0.59% water storage in Katepurna and 37.36% in Wan projects. Buldhana is also no good as Nalganga project has 14.01% water storage. Pentakli and Khadakpurna have 10.99% and 0% water storage.
Though scorching heat is not felt, the water scarcity is looming in western Vidarbha. The condition of Buldhana districts is pathetic as only 85 tankers have been pressed into service in 78 villages in 10 tehsils. Washim is also reeling under water scarcity in Washim and 52 tankers are quenching the thirst of 54 villages in six tehsils. In Amravati district, 10 tankers are supplying water in 15 villages. In Akola, 14 tankers have been providing water in 12 villages. In Yavatmal, 50 tankers have been pressed into service in 76 villages. Sources said considering the intermittent rainfall, more tankers would be required in villages.
Farmers in the region are desperately waiting for the rainfall. Some farmers in the region had started sowing operation after good rains two weeks back. However, considering the insufficient rains, the farmers have stopped sowing operations. As a result, only 16% sowing was reported in Amravati division till Monday.
Ashok Jog, who owns farmland in Rajura village, he would go for resowing if the rains did not come in two days. Farmers who have sprinkler facility can save crops but those dependent on rainfall would face tough time. He said he had completed sowing in four acre and was waiting for sufficient rainfall.