Wilted crops in Chandwad taluka
Chandwad received 471.9 mm rainfall from June to Sept against its annual average of 529.5 mm, a deficit of 10.9%. Nashik received 677.4 mm against its 693.2 mm average, a deficit of just 2.3%. “Across six observation wells in Chandwad, the groundwater table fell from the five-year average of 3.5m to 5.9m, a depletion of 2.4m. In Nashik, the level across nine wells declined from the five-year average of 2m to 2.6m, a depletion of 0.6m,” a district administration officer said.
Because of erratic distribution of rain and falling water tables, however, officials said the rainfall figures do not reflect the severity of conditions on the ground, particularly in Nashik,. Ends You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nashik | Silver Rate in Nashik | Bank Holidays in Nashik | Public Holidays in Nashik | Petrol Price in Nashik | Diesel Price in Nashik | CNG Price in Nashik | LPG Price in Nashik Stay updated with the latest Nashik news.
“Ground-level assessments reveal that prolonged dry spells and falling water tables have created an alarming groundwater deficit in both talukas,” collector Ayush Prasad said. “Rainfall in Nashik may appear close to normal, but seven of the nine observation wells recorded a fall in static water levels,” the officer added. The administration said the groundwater decline, coupled with long dry spells during crucial crop-growth stages, makes a case for bringing both talukas under drought relief measures.
Nashik: Nashik and Chandwad talukas could be added to the state’s drought-hit list despite receiving near-normal rainfall, with the district administration flagging sharp groundwater depletion and prolonged dry spells as evidence of severe hydrological stress. The administration has prepared a proposal recommending that state govt extend drought relief measures to both talukas. Ground Water Survey and Development Agency readings from observation wells at the end of Sept showed a steep decline. The Sept Groundwater Drought Index has also placed Chandwad in the moderate drought category. The proposal is being sent to state govt for consideration, with the district administration hopeful that both talukas will be included in the drought-hit list. Download the TOI App.