Pune: As of July 2, the total water storage in Maharashtra's major dams stands at 312.43 TMC, which is just 21.84 per cent of their full capacity. The state is still waiting for substantial rainfall in the catchment areas of these dams.
Comparatively, Amravati and Vidarbha have higher water levels, while Pune and Aurangabad divisions have the lowest.
According to Harishchandra Chakore, a retired engineer from the Water Resources Department, the total water storage capacity of the state's major dams is approximately 1430.63 TMC. By the end of July 2, the water storage reached only 21.84 per cent, or 312.43 TMC.
Division-wise Water Storage Details:
Nagpur Division: The dams have a storage capacity of around 162.70 TMC, with current storage at 35.36 per cent (57.53 TMC).
Amravati Division: The total storage capacity is 136.75 TMC, with 37.80 per cent (51.69 TMC) currently stored.
Marathwada Division: The total capacity is around 256.45 TMC, with only 9.62 per cent (24.67 TMC) stored.
Nashik Division: The dams have a capacity of 209.61 TMC, with 22.27 per cent (46.68 TMC) currently stored.
Pune Division: The total capacity is 537.28 TMC, with just 16.31 per cent (87.62 TMC) stored.
Konkan Division: The storage capacity is 130.84 TMC, with 33.82 per cent (44.25 TMC) currently stored.
Despite the overall water storage being 21.84 per cent, there is still a need for significant rainfall in the dam catchment areas. With three more months of the monsoon remaining, there is hope that the dams will fill up.
However, Chakore emphasized the importance of prioritizing the retention of water flowing from the Western Ghats into the Konkan region and eventually the sea. Failure to do so may result in inevitable water shortages in the near future.
