Due to the erratic monsoon in 2011 and rising summer heat, Maharashtra's water supply position has come down to 19 per cent of the total capacity of dams in the State.

Last year, it was 32 per cent and in 2010, it was 21 per cent.

In the water-surplus Konkan division, the supply is 33 per cent, while last year, it was 41 per cent. In the dry division of Marathwada, the supply has reduced to 10 per cent (34 per cent in 2011). In Nagpur division, which covers most of the Vidarbha region, the water supply has come down to 25 per cent (38 per cent).

Supply through tankers

The Chief Minister, Mr Prithviraj Chavan, said the drinking water situation in the state is serious, with 1,112 villages and 5,184 small habitations getting drinking water supply by tankers. Orders have been issued to the District Collectors to procure additional tankers for water supply, he said.

He was addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Mr Chavan said the State Government has also decided to provide Rs 150 crore to the 15 taluks which are facing maximum water stress. The funds would be used for water conservation measures.

Creating ponds

Funds would also be used for creating water holding ponds, which will conserve water during the rainy season.

The taluks were selected based on the recommendation of the Maharashtra Groundwater Survey and Development Agency. In October 2011, when the initial survey was carried out, the ground water level in these talukas had already dipped by an average two metres, Mr Chavan said.

rahulw@thehindu.co.in

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