Nashik : Water Resources and district guardian minister Girish Mahajan on Thursday directed local bodies to begin water rationing immediately, warning that existing dam stocks would have to be stretched for the next seven to eight months amid poor groundwater recharge.
We will have to practise it now to preserve drinking water for the region so that we can avoid the future crisis,” he said.
He said the region received deficit but intense spells of rain, which failed to adequately recharge groundwater. Mahajan said local bodies should start conserving water now rather than wait for shortages to worsen in summer. Potable water from lakes, dams or wells must not be used for washing vehicles either,” Mahajan said. The restrictions will apply to Kumbh Mela works as well, he said. Water be used for growing fodder, corn, bajra,” he said.
“We still have to manage for nearly seven to eight months. Water levels in wells and borewells have consequently fallen sharply. “In municipalities where water may be supplied every two days or three days, add one more dry day to it. The minister also ordered that potable water from dams, lakes and wells should not be diverted for non-drinking purposes. Treated wastewater should instead be used for construction and other activities. “Treated wastewater should be used for all things like gardens, roads, construction or curing on ghats. “We have water in dams. But it should be noted that the temperatures are going to rise terribly. So in severely drought-affected areas, Rabi crops should be avoided.
If we do not put proper planning in place starting today and do micro-management, we will face an unavoidable crisis later,” Mahajan said.