Groundwater falls in all 15 Jalgaon talukas; Bodwad down 2.91 metres

Jalgaon: As the drought deepens, a survey by the groundwater survey department has found a significant fall in groundwater across the district. Readings taken in September showed levels down in all 15 talukas, with not a single taluka recording a rise. The steepest drop, 2.91 metres, was in Bodwad taluka, which could face an acute shortage in April and May.

The department checks water levels every three months through 166 observation wells. After Bodwad, the largest falls were in Muktainagar (1.88 m), Yawal (1.85 m), Jamner (1.81 m), Jalgaon (1.63 m), Chopda (1.35 m), Chalisgaon (1.28 m), Bhadgaon (1.24 m) and Amalner (1.12 m). Levels in Parola, Bhusawal, Dharangaon, Raver and Pachora also fell by around a metre.

The official call to keep "village water in the village and district water in the district" has not been followed in practice. The pre-monsoon drive to desilt rivers, streams, ponds and wells was not taken seriously this year, so less water percolated into the ground, while pumping of groundwater carried on.

With levels expected to fall further as temperatures rise, concern is growing in the administration.

Source: Free Press Journal