Aurangabad: The Jayakwadi major irrigation project — currently filled with only 37% live storage as against 100% stock reported last year — is likely to receive 6.07 TMC water from upstream dams located in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts that may provide some relief to the scarcity-hit Marathwada.The state water resources department (WRD) on Monday conducted a crucial review meeting to take stock of the water situation in Jayakwadi dam and observed a shortfall of 172 MCUM water (6.07 TMC) in Nathsagar dam reservoir.“The water deficit has been calculated on the basis of ‘strategy III’, mentioned in the standing order, dated September 19, 2014 of Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA), a quasi-judicial regulatory body,” a senior WRD official said.“The existing stock of water in Jayakwadi dam and other upstream dams as well their probable water release for Kharif season was taken into account while deciding the amount of water to be released towards Nathsagar. Authorities concerned from Aurangabad, Nashik and Ahmednagar districts were also present during the meeting and official decision about the water release would be taken in next two-three days,” he added.Being asked on why no official order was issued for the release of water immediately, the WRD official said water usage of different dams for Kharif season was yet to be ascertained. “We have asked for compilation of data and necessary order will be issued shortly,” he added.All eyes will be on when the actual release of water takes place as opposition from a certain political elements form Nashik and Ahmednagar is anticipated. Water management expert Pradeep Purandare said it was a positive sign for Marathwada that the WRD authorities have initiated the process of water release from upstream dams.“It remains to see how the figure of 6.07 TMC was arrived on considering different water usages,” he added.It should be noted that in October 2015 the Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (GMIDC) had ordered release of 12.84 TMC water into Jayakwadi project from upstream dams in line with the standing orders of the MWRRA.Activist Abhijit Dhanorkar said WRD authorities must not delay the water release from upstream dams of Jayakwadi in the wake of very poor run of monsoon in several parts of Marathwada.“Besides MWRRA, the Bombay high court has also validated different criteria for water release for Jayakwadi dam from upstream areas. Therefore, the WRD authorities should respect the directives issued by the judicial and quasi-judicial bodies without succumbing to any political pressure,” he said.Dhanorkar also stressed on the need for immediate water release to avoid transit losses in days to come when the canals would become dry. As per official records, Marathwada region, comprising eight districts, has received only 68% of expected rainfall from June to September with many revenue circles reporting less than 50% of actual rainfall.The cumulative live storage in 45 major irrigation projects from Marathwada was 28% on Monday as compared to 78% last year. The medium projects (81) were showing 23% collective live storage as compared to 62% reported in corresponding period of the previous year.The minor projects, which are 838 in number in the region, are showing collective 22% live storage as compared to 51% registered last year. On the other hand, 570 different types of dams from Nashik region that also includes Ahmedagar have been showing 65% live storage as against last year’s 83%.

Stay updated with all the Latest Aurangabad headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.