Aurangabad: All the major, medium and minor irrigation projects across Maharashtra are showing a collective storage of 71.58% by Thursday — almost equal to the storage level available during the corresponding period last year.Dams in Konkan area have been showing the highest 95% live storage mark, followed by Pune (88%), Nashik (79%), Marathwada (60%), Nagpur (42%) and Amravati (34%).The collective storage in dams across the state was around 64% on September 1 — 3% lesser than the stock available during the corresponding period last year. Dams from Marathwada, Nagpur and Nashik regions have been largely benefitted from latest onslaught of rain as compared to other areas.As per the official data, the six divisions across the state witnessed average 20% rainfall deficiency at the end of August 31, but the revived monsoon conditions in September have resulted into Maharashtra getting 106% of its average rain so far.Barring Konkan division (103%), all other five divisions were showing rainfall deficit by end of August. The monsoon deficiency was highest for Nagpur division (35%), followed by Amravati (34%), Pune (20%), Aurangabad (16%) and Nashik (6%).Currently, along with Konkan (157%), two other divisions namely Pune (141%) and Nashik (103%) have been showing surplus rainfall during September till date.A senior official from the state water resources department (WRD) said dams across the state usually receive boost during the months of September and October. "These two months mark the beginning of return of monsoon and offer heavy to very heavy rainfall. Even if incessant showers often are not widespread, it quickly adds water to dams due to the marked increase in inflow in catchment areas. While many dams, especially from Marathwada had received boost during October last year, the revival has been reported a little early this year," he said.Stating that around two dozen important dams across Maharashtra have been nearly filled, the WRD authorities said all eyes would be on the return phase of monsoon in October."We expect flood-like situation in downstream areas if October too offers similar rainfall. We are in touch with respective district administrations to avoid any loss of lives or property," a senior WRD official said.

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