In Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, concerns arise as the groundwater levels show a concerning dip, except in the district of Nanded. Post-monsoon analysis over the last five years highlights a significant 1.01-meter decline in the average groundwater level across the region.
Following the recent 2023 monsoons, the measured depth of groundwater post-rains was 5.04 meters, compared to the average 4.03 meters in the preceding five-year period. This marks a noticeable and worrisome depletion in the groundwater reservoirs.
The distressing situation becomes clearer when observing the rainfall patterns. Of the 76 talukas in Marathwada, 61 encountered a rainfall deficit between June and September 2023. Within these, 19 talukas faced a deficit ranging from 30 to 50 percent, exacerbating the strain on the already depleting groundwater reserves.
A comprehensive report compiled from an assessment of 875 wells spread across eight districts in Marathwada paints a concerning picture. Jalna, for instance, recorded a sharp decline from 3.99 meters to 6.68 meters in groundwater levels, indicating a staggering 2.69-meter drop.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv districts, formerly known as Aurangabad and Osmanabad respectively, experienced significant declines as well. The depth in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plunged to 6.88 meters from the previous 5.15 meters, while in Dharashiv, it decreased from 3.85 meters to 5.58 meters, as per the survey.
However, amidst these concerning trends, a glimmer of hope emerges from Nanded, where the groundwater level displayed a surprising increase of 1.12 meters, offering a contrasting positive trend amid the region’s depletion.
- Jalna: Groundwater level decrease of 2.69 meters.
- Aurangabad: Experiences a decline in groundwater levels by 1.73 meters.
- Parbhani: Witnesses a reduction of 0.40 meters in groundwater levels.
- Hingoli: Sees a decrease of 0.86 meters in its groundwater level.
- Latur: Records a decline of 1.20 meters in groundwater levels.
- Osmanabad: Shows a decrease in groundwater levels similar to Aurangabad, measuring 1.73 meters.
- Beed: Faces a significant reduction of 1.38 meters in groundwater levels.
The declining groundwater levels in several districts pose a severe threat to the sustainability of agricultural practices and the availability of water for domestic consumption. Addressing this issue is critical, especially considering the reliance of Marathwada’s agrarian economy on consistent water sources for irrigation and sustaining livelihoods.
As the region grapples with fluctuating water reserves, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive water conservation measures, efficient agricultural practices, and proactive steps towards recharging groundwater sources to ensure a sustainable and secure water future for Marathwada’s communities and agriculture.
An easy method to tackle this situation is Rain Water Harvesting. A sustainable practice, involves gathering runoff from surfaces like roofs for future use. Typically, this method utilizes gutters to direct rainwater into downspouts, channelling it into storage containers. From simple rain barrels to extensive cisterns, these systems vary in complexity and can cater to diverse needs, ranging from small-scale domestic use to supplying water for an entire household.
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