Yavatmal reservoirs hold less water than five-year average, raising worry over rabi irrigation
Stock in Yavatmal's 73 projects is 156.18 million cubic metres below the five-year average for 27 September, raising concern for rabi irrigation.
Rain has stretched out over a long period in Yavatmal district this year. The effect will not be limited to kharif crops, and the coming rabi season is also feared to be hit. At the end of September, water stock in the district's major reservoirs is below the average of the past five years. The question of irrigation for rabi crops could therefore arise, and the shortage of water in summer could also worsen.
As of 27 September, the district's 73 projects hold 717.57 million cubic metres (mcm) of usable water. This is 76.89 per cent of their total usable capacity. The average for the same date over the past five years is 873.75 mcm. This year's stock is 156.18 mcm lower, a shortfall of about 17.9 per cent. On the same date last year, the district's projects held 899.99 mcm of usable water, so this year's stock is 182.42 mcm lower. The monsoon is in its final phase, but concern over water remains.
During this monsoon, rain stayed away for long spells several times. Kharif crops including soyabean, cotton and tur were hit. Questions now remain over whether the soil will hold enough moisture for rabi and how much water will be available for irrigation. Some projects have satisfactory stock, so there is no drinking water problem for now. Even so, the shortfall in the large projects remains a worry.
The Pus, Arunavati, Bembla, Adhar Pus and Adan projects have less water than their five-year average. The three large projects in the district hold 303.68 mcm of usable stock, which is 68.26 per cent of their capacity of 444.87 mcm.
On the other hand, medium projects such as Goki, Waghadi, Saykheda, Borgaon and Navargaon are full to capacity. Even so, the district's water position does not rest on a few reservoirs alone. The overall storage and future needs will have to be considered. Seven medium projects hold 211.64 mcm of usable stock, or 84.24 per cent. The five-year average for these seven projects is 248.03 mcm, and this year's stock is 36.39 mcm below it. The 63 minor projects hold 202.25 mcm, or 85.27 per cent.
