Nashik: Union minister of state for Railways Raosaheb Danve said on Thursday that the people of Marathwada want water to be released from the upstream for Jayakwadi Dam, but the courts decision would prevail.Nashik Central BJP MLA Devyani Pharande has written to the water resources department (WRD) demanding that Gangapur dam be excluded from the group of dams from which the water has to be released for Jayakwadi Dam at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.The people of Marathwada want water to be released for Jayakwadi because there is severe drought in the region, and Jayakwadi Dam is a major source of water for irrigation and drinking in the region. In the current context, the intentions of the government is most important, and the court orders are binding on everybody, Danve said.Nashik Central MLA Pharande has written to deputy chief minister and water resources disaster minister Devendra Fadnavis and additional chief secretary of the water resources department Deepak Kapoor requesting them to exclude Gangapur dam from releasing water to Jayakwadi Dam.According to Pharande, More than 70% of stock of water in Gangapur dam is reserved for drinking purposes. Whatever small quantum is there is used for grape farming through drip irrigation. If the water is released from this dam, then the farmers will not get the third rotation of water required to save multi-year crop of grapes.She said that none of the dams in Nashik district had the dead stock matching that of the Jayakwadi Dam (of 25 TMC). Hence, there is nothing that could not be utilised in case of emergency for drinking purposes.This apart, there is huge sedimentation at the main Gangapur dam. As a result of which the actual capacity of the dam needs to be recalibrated.The MLA said that release of 0.5 TMC of water from Gangapur dam would hardly reach Jayakwadi dam, resulting in loss of water rather than its utilisation.She further pointed out that there was no opposition to releasing 0.5 TMC of water from Darna dam instead of Godavari, if required.The Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation in its October 30 ordered release of 8.5 TMC water from the upstream to Jayakwadi .We also published the following articles recentlyVikhe Patil sugar mill objects to water for Jayakwadi damThe management of a sugar factory in Ahmednagar has filed a petition in the Supreme Court objecting to the release of water from dams in the district. They challenge the order of the Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation to release water for the Jayakwadi dam. The factory requests relief from releasing water downstream due to the drought-like situation. The release of water will affect the availability of water in Nashik and Ahmednagar, impacting drinking water, agriculture, and livestock. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on November 21.Water released from Papanasam dam in TirunelveliWater from Papanasam dam is released for irrigation in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts. The water will be released for 136 days till March 31, 2024, benefiting 86,107 acres. The release is ordered by the state government for the Pisanam season crop. It will be distributed through various canals in both districts. The farmers are urged to use the water judiciously.SC to hear Jayakwadi water release case after HC verdictSupreme Court hears petition on water release order from upstream dams to Jayakwadi reservoir. No stay issued, Bombay HC to decide on December 5. Discharge can be started without legal hurdle; awaiting formal nod from state government. Water rights activists urge government to order release during cabinet meeting. Nashik farmers protest against water release from Nashik. Jayakwadi has 41% live storage, Majalgaon has 6%. Protests may continue if no water released soon.

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