Nandur Madhmeshwar farmers to get two rabi and one summer water release, says Vikhe Patil

A new water plan has been drawn up for farmers in the command area of the Nandur Madhmeshwar project in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Two releases are planned for the rabi season and one for the summer season, three in all. Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil gave the information on Monday.

The canal advisory committee meeting for the Nandur Madhmeshwar project was held on Monday at the divisional commissioner's office, chaired by Vikhe Patil. MP Sandipan Bhumre and MLAs Prashant Bamb, Ramesh Bornare, Vitthalrao Lange Patil, Pratapsingh Patil and Ambadas Danve attended. Zilla Parishad president Avinash Galande, Divisional Commissioner G. Shrikant, District Collector Vinay Gowda G. C. and Zilla Parishad CEO Minnu P. M. also took part. Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation executive director Jayant Gawali, Water Resources Department superintending engineer Rajendra Dhodapkar and officials of other departments concerned were also present.

Water Resources Department officials gave a presentation at the meeting on water availability in the project, stocks in the various dams, the sanctioned quota and the proposed releases. Under the proposal, the first rabi release, between November 20 and December 5, 2026, will be of 1 TMC of water. The second release, between February 19 and March 12, 2027, is proposed at 1.355 TMC. One release has been proposed for the summer season between April 20 and May 1, 2027.

Citing the drought conditions, the people's representatives said the 1 TMC proposed for the first release might fall short. Keeping farmers' irrigation needs in mind, they demanded that this release be raised to about 2 TMC. Dr Vikhe Patil responded positively. He directed officials to prepare a plan to supply the increased quantity, based on actual need and the water available.

Vikhe Patil clarified that after the first release, the water stock available in January, the actual use for irrigation and the needs of the next season will be reviewed again. On that basis, a decision can be taken on additional water or another release.

The minister also said water for agriculture should be planned without affecting drinking water needs. He said the water available during the drought should be used sparingly and efficiently so that farmers in the command area benefit as much as possible, and he instructed the officials concerned to plan carefully for this.