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Despite above-average rainfall, the water level in major irrigation dams in Chhattisgarh have fallen below the average mark.
As of now, the state had recorded 482.7 millimeters (mm) of rainfall as against average rainfall of 473.0 mm. The rainfall in the state since June 1 this year has been 102.6 per cent more than the average rainfall recorded during the corresponding period a year ago.
Surprisingly, it has failed to fill the dams and reservoirs that are a major source of water for irrigation and industries.
According to the state data centre’s statistics, dams across Chhattisgarh arecarrying water up to just 36 per cent of their capacities. As against the capacity of 6,267 million cubic meters (mcm), the 42 major reservoirs in the state hold 2,252 mcm of water.
“The catchment areas of the major dams and reservoirs in the state did not receive rains though the state on average recorded good rainfall at the onset,” a water resources department spokesperson said. The officials have expressed concern over the development, as it would be a daunting task ahead to arrange water for industrial and irrigation purposes, the spokesperson added.
Mini Mata Hasdeo Banga, the biggest dam in the state located in Korba district, holds just 36 per cent to its total capacity. The dam has been a major source of water for the industrial towns of Korba, Janjgir-Champa and Raigarh. Similarly, Ravishankar Dam in Dhamtari district is carrying 47 per cent water.
The dam has been catering to the irrigation needs of the state, and has also been suppling potable water to Raipur, the capital. Water to the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), the flagship entity of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), also comes from Ravishankar dam.
Of the 11 states ravaged by drought in 2016, seven, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh had less than average water in their reservoirs as of June 2016, according to reservoir data available with the Central Water Commission.
