A whopping 2.035 million cubic metres of water evaporated from Jayakwadi Dam, the main source of water for Marathwada, on Friday (May 2). This figure is simply alarming. Jayakwadi is the largest dam in the state.
Currently, Jayakwadi has the highest usable storage of 39 percent. However, due to the intense heat, this storage is being seriously affected by evaporation. Evaporation has increased rapidly since the maximum temperature crossed 40 degrees in the beginning of May, and according to the Meteorological Department, this situation is going to become more serious in the next few days.
Currently, only 22 percent, or 1453 million cubic meters, of the 11 major water projects in the entire Marathwada region is left with usable water reserves. Although Jayakwadi has a large share in this, increasing evaporation is rapidly reducing this reserve. This is a serious signal from the point of view of water planning, and it is an urgent time for the administration and citizens to turn to water literacy. Otherwise, Marathwada will have to face severe water shortage this summer.