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After a devastating fire ravaged its headquarters last week, the Maharashtra Government is now up against a new emergency — drinking water shortage — due to delayed monsoon.
The water availability in the dams has receded to 13 per cent.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister, Mr Prithviraj Chavan, has ordered a number of emergency measures, which include supplying dam water only for drinking water purposes. There would be no water supply for agriculture until rains replenish the catchment areas.
The gravity of the situation can be gauged from the fact that the State has received only 125.2 mm of rainfall since June 1, which is 53.50 per cent below normal, against 182.80 mm in the corresponding period last year.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office, 16 districts in the State have received less than 50 per cent of the rainfall. Another 15 districts have received rainfall between 50 and 100 per cent. Only Akola and Amravati districts have received exceeding 100 per cent of the normal.
Data
Rainfall data between June 1 to 26 show that the Konkan region has a registered a 12 per cent dip in rainfall. This rain-surplus region, which is home to Alphonso mangoes, has received 456 mm of rainfall so far, while the average is 517 mm.
Marathwada is the worst hit region with 77 per cent decline in rainfall. The region has received 113.8 mm rainfall, while the average is 487 mm. Central Maharashtra saw a 51 per cent dip with 54.8 mm rainfall, while the average is 110 mm. The drought-prone Vidarbha is faring better with only 8 per cent decline in rainfall at 111 mm, while the average is 120 mm.
Until June 22, water was supplied to 2,145 villages and 6,480 hamlets in the State through a fleet of 2,540 water tankers. Last year, the State Government had to hire only 376 tankers.
Fodder depots
Since mid-May, the State Government has opened 231 fodder depots for feeding farm animals. This operation will continue till July 15. In addition to this, 29 animals camps have been set up, in which 23,332 animals have been housed.
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