Delayed monsoon, heat heighten concerns over availability of water

 

 

THE district is facing mounting challenges as the monsoon season experiences a delay, while scorching heat exacerbates the situation, leaving the local reservoirs and water bodies in anticipation of much-needed rainfall. Notably, Bango Dam's water level has decreased by 4 meters during the prevailing summer. Presently, the dam holds a water level of 59.28 percent. The recent measurement on Saturday recorded the water level at 352.07 meters, with a flow of 1765.64 million cubic meters. Comparatively, in January, the water level was reported at 356.38 meters. Although these figures indicate a more favourable condition than last year's 349.91 meters, concerns remain. The dwindling water reserves have raised alarms, particularly as 40 water bodies are left without sufficient water for rice nurseries.

 

Bango Dam, with a capacity of 359.66 meters, currently stands at 352.07 meters. Despite the 7-meter deficit, it is worth noting that once the water level reaches 359 meters, the gates are opened to allow water release, thereby ensuring an uninterrupted water supply for irrigation purposes. However, it is important to highlight that irrigation activities are presently limited to a mere 5,000 hectares within the district, relying on the dam's canals. Besides, industrial establishments and Municipal Corporation also depend on these water sources for their drinking water requirements.

 

Of significant concern are the water bodies themselves, as the absence of substantial rainfall in June has hindered their replenishment. Historically, June and July have witnessed copious rainfall, resulting in the filling of most water bodies. This year, the absence of rainfall has led to a prolonged wait for these reservoirs to be replenished. At present, water flow is restricted to Anicut and Diversion channels, while the remaining water bodies face scarcity. In the Podi Uparora block of the district, the situation appears slightly better, with Gursiya Reservoir reporting a 50 percent water capacity. Similarly, Katghora Diversion records a water flow of up to 51 percent. However, most other water bodies contain a meager 10 to 15 percent of their water capacity. The Pali Block, known for its 27 minor irrigation schemes, also struggles with water levels below 20 per cent.

 

During the ongoing Kharif season, the district boasts an irrigation capacity of 14,321 hectares through minor irrigation projects. Nevertheless, due to the reduced capacity of several older water bodies, actual irrigation activities are confined to approximately 9,000 hectares. Meanwhile, the Rabi season witnesses a further decline, with irrigation capacity reduced to a mere 900 hectares. In an encouraging development, the Chief Engineer of the Hasdev Bango Dam Project, KS Gurubar, assures that the dam retains an ample water supply. Gurubar confirms that water can be released upon demand, emphasizing that the current water reserves are sufficient to meet even next year's requirements. However, according to SL Dwivedi, the Executive Engineer of Water Resources Department, several water bodies have witnessed water levels falling below the gate hreshold, rendering it currently unfeasible to release the water