Taps in state may run dry in near future

With the monsoon nearly coming to an end and the insufficient rainfall, the state may be staring at the possibility of drinking water shortage in the coming few months.

Nitin Patel, state water resource minister has appealed to the state’s people to use water and electricity economically to avoid water crisis in the coming few months. Patel said, “The state’s reservoirs have around only 41% water which is insufficient for drinking, agriculture and other needs for the current year. The situation in Saurashtra is comparatively good and out of 113 dams irrigation can be provided from 83 dams.

However, the situation is serious in north, central and south Gujarat. We are rationing the use of water in this region. For the current crop we liberally allow the farmers to use water for saving their crop,” the minister said, adding that it may not be possible to provide water for all the regions so people and so farmers need to use water judiciously.

“The major source of water for south Gujarat, the Ukai dam has only 36% of water which is not enough to cater to the water need for the whole year. “We will not be able to give sufficient water for irrigation from Ukai as we have to provide water for Ukai thermal plant and Kakrapara power plant. Fortunately we have sufficient water in Narmada dam which will help in providing water to the state during the year. We will supply the Narmada water through various canals and water pipeline wherever and whenever required but still by April-May 2010 we may face serious shortage of drinking water if the rainfall doesn’t increase now,’’ said Patel.