The Maharashtra Government today ordered to stop release of water for Solapur from Sina-Kolegaon dam in Osmanabad district after it was found that water was being used for agriculture, instead of drinking purposes.

“Release of water from the dam has been stopped as it was found that water was used for agriculture while the Chief Minister, Mr Prithviraj Chavan, had directed it to be used for drinking purposes,” a spokesperson for the Chief Minister said here today.

Mr Chavan had held meetings with people's representatives from Osmanabad and Solapur districts and officials recently to ensure that scarcity-hit Solapur got drinking water from the dam, despite stiff opposition from people in Osmanabad.

Accordingly, four doors of the dam were opened and water was released in the bank of Sina river. Authorities had issued instructions to use water strictly for drinking purpose.

The development was greeted with strong opposition from the people in Osmanabad district who felt they were being deprived of their share of water.

The Osmanabad District Collector, Mr Pravin Gedam, said that in violation of the water release norms, around 200 agricultural pumpsets were operating in Solapur district, using water for irrigating farms. When water was released on Sunday, Osmanabad district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC in Paranda town and surrounding area near the dam.

The Superintendent of Police, Mr Dattatraya Karale, was on the spot to ensure there was no law and order problem, considering resistance from the local people to the release of water.

The development was greeted with strong opposition from the people in Osmanabad district who felt they were being deprived of their share of water.

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