Maharashtra government braces itself to face acute water scarcity

MUMBAI: In view of deficient rainfall this year and faced with the prospect of acute water scarcity, the Maharashtra government has decided to issue guidelines to all district authorities for making preparations to deal with the looming crisis.

Maharashtra is facing one of its most severe droughts in recent times. Many districts in the state are bearing the brunt of drinking water shortage and the government aims to use its existing resources carefully to avoid water crisis in the coming year.

According to a Government Resolution (GR), digging of wells only for the purpose of drinking water should be allowed at the distance 500 metres from water source that is being used for public.

Further, the local administration should prohibit lifting of ground water if its found to have an adverse impact on drinking water level.

Groundwater survey and development agency should be asked to prepare a village-wise plan with the help of geologists for areas likely to face scarcity problem.

A list of tehsils should be made where the monsoon was recorded less than 50 per cent from the average rainfall.

Also, prepare a list of villages where water level has been reduced by two metres from the average level, the GR said.

The GR also states that tankers provided by the local administration for supplying water are in a poor condition. Hence, private tankers are hired on rent due to which there is burden on the state exchequer.

The GR states that strict orders have been issued to keep tankers secure which should be provided to the district collectors for water supply when needed.

While using tanker services for supplying water, a GPS system should be used so that it can be strictly monitored. The expenses should be borne by the contractor, the GR said.