Action against water theft at Majalgaon dam
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: With water levels in Majalgaon dam falling sharply amid drought conditions, authorities launched a major crackdown on illegal water lifting and seized 350 water pumps and 50 solar panels from the reservoir in Beed district. it is now left with just 25% live storage, according to official data While the dam held 100% live storage during the corresponding period last year. In a similar operation recently, the Nanded administration disconnected power supply to 51 MSEDCL distribution points and removed 215 pumps allegedly drawing water illegally from Godavari river and Vishnupuri irrigation project.
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Officials said the drive was prompted by growing concerns over the reservoir’s shrinking storage. Officials from the irrigation department, revenue department, local police and MSEDCL jointly conducted the operation,” said Shital Mane, deputy engineer with the Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (GMIDC). Such drives will continue regularly to prevent illegal lifting of water,” a GMIDC official said.
The large-scale operation targeted unauthorised pumping from three locations in the dam, which is a key source of drinking water for Beed and several surrounding areas. “The crackdown was carried out at Mangrul and two nearby locations. Teams removed pumps and solar-powered systems allegedly being used to draw water illegally from the reservoir. Authorities also warned the farmers and villagers involved and obtained written undertakings from them, assuring that they would not resort to illegal water lifting in the future. “Given the importance of the reservoir and the current storage position, this is not a one-time operation. The action comes as districts across Marathwada tighten controls over water use amid fears of a prolonged scarcity. Download the TOI App.