Karnataka seeks 7 TMC from Ujani dam as Fadnavis calls for report on Solapur water stock

Karnataka has now staked a claim to the water of the Ujani dam, regarded as the lifeline of Solapur district. It has asked for a full seven TMC to be released from Ujani to supply water to villages on the banks of the Bhima river in Vijayapura district.

Meanwhile, the water shortage in Solapur district is becoming serious. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sought immediate information on the water available in Ujani, the likely shortage in summer, the water lost to evaporation and the meeting of the Canal Advisory Committee. The sharing of Ujani's water has thus come under the direct watch of the state government.

The figures are worrying. At this time last year, the Ujani dam was 100 per cent full. This time the water level has dropped to about 65 per cent, a shortfall of 35 per cent compared with last year. According to figures for November 4, the dam holds 35.30 TMC of usable water.

Water supply schemes for Solapur city, Pandharpur, Mangalvedha, Sangola and many villages along the Bhima depend on Ujani. The Water Resources Department estimates that in the coming summer, between November 1 and May 31, about nine TMC of water will be lost to evaporation. All eyes are now on the decision ahead.

A rotation of water for the rabi crop, meaning a release for irrigation, is likely in late November or early December. But water is limited and drinking water needs in summer loom, so deciding on the rotation will be a stiff test for the administration. The Canal Advisory Committee is to meet this week under Guardian Minister Jaykumar Gore. The meeting is expected to decide on priorities for water use and on the likely rotation.

Ujani's water will have to be planned keeping in mind Karnataka's demand for seven TMC, the rabi rotation, summer water supply and the loss to evaporation. The Chief Minister's move to seek a report directly has added to the concern.

S. S. Khandekar, Superintending Engineer of the Command Area Development Authority, said Chief Minister Fadnavis on Tuesday sought immediate information on the current water in the Ujani dam, the likely situation in summer, the loss to evaporation, the needs of water supply schemes and the Canal Advisory Committee meeting. The Water Resources Department will present a report on available water and likely use. The final water plan is then expected to be decided at the Canal Advisory Committee meeting.