Bhopal, September 30 (Daily Kiran) : Bhopal is facing a significant drop in water levels across its major dams this year, attributed to nearly four percent less rainfall compared to previous years. This information emerged during a review of rainfall and reservoir conditions.
Tulsi Ram Silawat, the state’s Water Resources Minister, noted that while the overall situation in most reservoirs is satisfactory, careful management of available water is crucial for the upcoming rabi season’s irrigation and drinking water needs. He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of dams with high water levels and adherence to safety protocols, while also preparing water management plans for areas experiencing lower rainfall.
So far, Madhya Pradesh has recorded 908.30 millimeters of rainfall, which is about four percent less than the long-term average of 949.50 millimeters. In western Madhya Pradesh, rainfall reached 773.60 millimeters, representing a 12 percent deficit, while eastern regions saw 1,083.60 millimeters, slightly exceeding the average by four percent.
According to the state’s flood control department, the average water level in 54 major dams currently stands at 89.32 percent, down from 95.13 percent during the same period last year. Over the past five years, the average was 88.45 percent. Presently, 35 dams are over 90 percent full, nine dams are between 75 and 90 percent, five are between 50 and 75 percent, four have 25 to 50 percent, and one dam is between 10 and 25 percent full.
Minister Silawat has instructed special monitoring of the 35 dams that are over 90 percent full. Regular assessments of water levels, inflow, and outflow must be conducted, with water management protocols followed as necessary. Coordination with district administrations, police, and disaster management teams is also a priority for areas downstream of these dams.
In light of the below-average rainfall in western Madhya Pradesh, Silawat directed a special review of water availability in the Ujjain and Narmada-Tapi basins. He called for the preparation of a basin-wise and project-wise water budget to ensure sufficient water for irrigation, drinking, and other essential needs during the rabi season.
The review highlighted that reservoir conditions in various basins are as follows: Ganga Basin at 99 percent, Yamuna Basin at 94 percent, and Narmada Basin at 95 percent. The Chambal-Betwa and Sagar basins are at 82 percent, Narmadapuram at 81 percent, Wainganga at 80 percent, Ujjain at 71 percent, and the Narmada-Tapi basin at 57 percent.
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