Water levels in Gujarat reservoirs drop sharply; Kutch worst-hit amid scorching heat

Amidst the intense summer heat, the water level in Gujarat’s reservoirs has dropped by more than 50%, with water level in 54 reservoirs is now less than 10%.

Not only this, six reservoirs are completely empty. Due to the continuously decreasing water level, many rural areas have now become dependent on water tankers for their supplies, as per reports.

Gujarat had a water storage of 43% as of May 17 last year. Compared to which, the conditions this time are slightly better. 

Currently, the water level of more than 70% includes Aaji-2 of Rajkot, Bhadar-2, Nyari-2, Machhu-2 of Morbi, Wanakbori of Mahisagar, Dholi Dhaja of Surendranagar, Kalaghogha of Kutch, Ozat-Veer of Junagadh, Sukhi of Chhota Udepur, Dholi of Bharuch.

Kutch at lowest

Kutch has the lowest water level of 30.08%. The water level in Kaila, Rudramata, Kaswati, Mathal from Kutch is now below 10%. Exactly a month ago, i.e. on April 17, Kutch had a water level of 38%. Thus, the water level has decreased by 8% in a month. Apart from this, the water level in 141 reservoirs of Saurashtra is currently 31.46%. Thus, the situation regarding water level in Saurashtra and Kutch is worrying.

Large reservoirs where the water level is less than 50% include Sipu in Banaskantha, Machhu-2 in Morbi, Brahmani, Hathmati in Aravalli, Shetrunji in Bhavnagar, Dharoi-Kadana in Mehsana, Bhadar in Rajkot, Ukai in Tapi and Damanganga in Valsad. 

The monsoon, however, in Gujarat, is expected to begin early this season, with more than average rainfall predicted by the IMD.