Marathwada Water Crisis Despite Monsoon Rains; 268 Villages Dependent on Tankers

Even as monsoon rains intensify across parts of Marathwada, the region continues to grapple with a severe drinking water crisis. As of Thursday morning, 268 villages and hamlets remain dependent on water tankers for daily supply, highlighting the persistent scarcity despite seasonal rainfall.

According to reports, heavy rainfall was recorded in 57 mandals across four districts — Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Nanded, and Hingoli. Among these, Nanded saw the highest impact, with 40 mandals receiving heavy rain, followed by 9 in Hingoli, 5 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and 3 in Jalna.

However, the remaining districts in the division have experienced only light showers or intermittent rainfall. The weather has remained cloudy for the past two days.

So far, the average rainfall in Marathwada stands at 26 mm, far below the annual average of 679 mm, indicating that the region has yet to receive satisfactory monsoon coverage.

Despite scattered rains, a total of 424 tankers are currently in operation across Marathwada to address the ongoing drinking water crisis:

• Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 228 tankers servicing 148 villages and 23 ward areas

• Jalna: 181 tankers serving 109 villages and 23 ward areas

• Parbhani: 8 tankers

• Hingoli: 2 tankers

• Nanded: 5 tankers

The heavy reliance on tanker supply, even at the onset of the monsoon, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of water conservation measures and long-term planning for drought-prone areas in the region.

A total of 228 tankers are operating in 148 villages and 23 ward areas of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. In Jalna district, water supply is being provided through 181 tankers in 109 villages and 23 ward areas. Apart from this, water supply is being provided through 8 tankers in Parbhani district, 2 in Hingoli and 5 in Nanded.

Meanwhile, 11 major projects and dams in the division, including Jayakwadi, currently have 28 percent water storage, and Jayakwadi alone has received 39.75 Dalghami of water during this year's monsoon. Although this amount is not satisfactory, it is considered some relief for the Kharif season.