Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Maharashtra Orders Micro Water Planning as Marathwada Faces Drought-Like Conditions
Marathwada is facing a drought-like water shortage.
The region’s dams currently have only about 10–15% of their storage.
Officials must carefully plan how to use the remaining water until August 2027.
Drinking water will come before water for farming.
Jayakwadi Dam has enough water to support the Rabi farming season.
Other small and medium dams will not provide irrigation water for now.
Farmers may therefore face difficulties getting water for their fields.
Officials will meet district collectors to create detailed plans.
Marathwada dams hold only 10–15% of their water storage.
Officials must plan water distribution to last through August 2027.
Drinking water will receive priority, including supplies from dead stock.
Jayakwadi Dam will provide water for the Rabi season, while other small and medium dams will not supply irrigation water.
Irrigation Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said irrigation may be hampered and water distribution plans could be revised if necessary.
- Who
- The Maharashtra irrigation department, district collectors, and Irrigation Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.
- What
- Officials ordered detailed water-distribution planning for Marathwada through August 2027, with drinking water prioritized.
- When
- The decision was announced on Wednesday; planning is intended to cover water needs until August 2027.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, including water from its small, medium, and large dams.
- Why
- Dams in the region have only 10–15% water storage, creating a drought-like situation and limiting irrigation supplies.
- Region
- Marathwada, Maharashtra
- Current dam storage
- 10–15% in the region’s dams
- Planning horizon
- Through August 2027
- Priority use
- Drinking water
- Rabi supply
- Jayakwadi Dam is planned to provide water for the Rabi season
- Irrigation impact
- Irrigation is expected to be hampered this year
- Planning authority
- The irrigation department’s superintending engineer will coordinate with district collectors