Water woes: Maharashtra government may disallow sugarcane cultivation

Maharashtra government may consider disallowing cultivation and crushing of sugarcane this year owing to severe water crisis in Marathwada and western regions of the state, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Eknath Khadse has said.

There are 86 sugar mills in the drought-affected regions.

The water resource department has suggested not to permit any new sugar mills in these regions.

Osmanabad, Latur, Beed, parts of Ahmednagar and Solapur and Sangli districts are facing severe crisis of drinking water.

"Our priority is to save human lives and cattle first, followed by agriculture and industries. Thus we have issued an order to reserve water stock of all irrigation projects and minor sources for drinking purpose only," Khadse said.

"We are considering not to allow cultivation and crushing of sugarcane crop as it requires huge quantity of water," he said.

Though a final decision is yet to be taken, Khadse said the issue will be discussed in the state cabinet.

"The Cabinet will take a final call, but we have no other alternative to overcome the drought situation in Marathwada," he said.

Meanwhile, a report on water resources in Godavari basin, prepared by experts and officials from the water resource department, has recommended not to permit any new sugar mills in Marathwada and North Maharashtra region.

The report and its recommendation are yet to be accepted by the Water Control Authority, the supreme body having the right on the way of usage and distribution of water to industries, agriculture and household purposes.

The state is also considering to provide drinking water to Latur from Pandharpur through railway wagons.

The stocks in all major and minor irrigation projects are kept reserved only for drinking purpose.

"Though 94 per cent land distributed in 807 watershed sectors of Godavari basin has the capacity of water conservation, only 81 watershed sectors are under irrigation.

There is still scope of work in 726 watershed sectors through which 48.09 lakh hectares land can be converted into irrigated land," the official said.

The report recommends installing cold storages and packaging industries in Marathwada and North Maharashtra, as 3,27 lakh hectare land is under fruits and vegetable cultivation.

It also recommends not to allow any new irrigation project in Nashik and Marathwada, and instead create small decentralised water sources or ponds.

"Allow 2.72 more lakh more wells in the basin to reach 11.72 lakh wells, focus on micro-irrigation projects including Jalyukta Shivar," the report recommended.

"These steps will be useful in conserving water and increasing ground water levels. Ultimately, it will help the region overcome from drought situation," the official said.