Wardha rainfall 36.92% below expected, reservoirs not full, water worries grow

Wardha district did not get the rain it needed this year. Rain fell short from June onwards. Farmers finished sowing on the strength of the occasional showers, but when the crops needed water in the next phase, the rain vanished again and their worries grew.

The district normally expects an average of 719.03 mm of rain in June, July and August. This time it received only 491.02 mm in those three months, well below the average.

There was hope that September might make up the shortfall, but September disappointed too. Against an expected 874.05 mm from June to September, the district recorded 558.03 mm. Rainfall in the four months was thus a full 36.92 per cent below normal. With the deficit widening in September, both the administration and citizens are worried about the water situation in the coming days.

By tehsil, Hinganghat is in the worst position, with only 47 per cent of the expected rain. It is followed by Selu with 63.08 per cent and Samudrapur with 63.03 per cent.

Arvi recorded 69.06 per cent, Deoli 70.05 per cent, Wardha 75.01 per cent and Ashti 76.06 per cent. Karanja had the most, at 82.03 per cent.

The effects of the missing rain are not limited to farming. The district's major and medium reservoirs have also not filled as expected. Planning for drinking water as well as water for farming will therefore be very important in the months ahead.

There is no guarantee yet that October will bring good rain, so the water that is available must be used carefully from now. If the deficit continues, there is concern that the threat of a water crisis will become sharper in the time ahead.