3,300 cusecs released from Jayakwadi canals for rabi, water reaches Parbhani

Parbhani: Rainfall in Marathwada was low this year because of the El Nino effect. Anticipating a shortage of fodder and water in summer, the state government has begun releasing 3,300 cusecs of water from the Jayakwadi dam through both canals, to arrange fodder for livestock and drinking water in the rabi season. As part of this, a rotation of water has been released from the left canal for farming in Parbhani district.

Of the water released from the Nathsagar reservoir, 1,100 cusecs is being distributed in the right canal and 2,200 cusecs in the left canal, a total of 3,300 cusecs. Farmers who depend on this rotation have found relief. Water released through the left canal has reached Parbhani district. The district's rabi season has received irrigation support, and farmers have begun watering their rabi crops.

Given the shortage that El Nino could cause, farmers have been told to sow grain and fodder crops first. The Water Resources Department recently appealed to all beneficiaries of the Jayakwadi project to cooperate as needed in the use of water.

Based on the water available in the Jayakwadi project, a plan has been drawn up to give three rotations in the rabi season. For rabi jowar, wheat, other cereals and fodder crops, water will be provided through the canal and from approved lift irrigation schemes between October 15, 2026 and February 28, 2027. The Water Resources Department recently invited applications from farmers for water.

Rain was unevenly distributed this season and some areas face a water shortage. In view of these challenges to farming, the state government is giving priority to meeting the needs of agriculture and drinking water by using the available water strictly.

Water from the Jayakwadi dam is a major source of drinking water for many towns and villages as well as for farming, so it is necessary to use the available water in a planned way. The rotations have been planned with the idea of securing drinking water needs while also providing water for irrigation.

Water of 3,300 cusecs (1,100 from the right canal and 2,200 from the left canal) has recently been released for rabi. It will benefit 58,600 hectares in Marathwada, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district (especially Paithan taluka), and in Jalna, Parbhani and Nanded districts.