In a measure expected to bring some relief to the parched districts of Marathwada region, the Maharashtra Government today ordered release of 7.89 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) water from upstream reservoirs into the Jayakwadi dam in the region.
The Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation directed the release of water into the Jayakwadi dam (built to address the irrigation and drinking water woes of Marathwada) from the Nilwande and Bhandardara (4.3 tmc) and Mula (3.59 tmc) reservoirs upstream.
"We have asked Ahmednagar Superintendent of Police to provide police protection at these reservoirs, after which we may start releasing water from tomorrow if possible," executive director of the corporation, C A Birajdar told PTI.
The water release is expected to meet the drinking and agriculture needs of Aurangabad and Jalna townships and villages in the districts.
The Nilwande reservoir is about 190 km from Jayakwadi dam, Birajdar said.
