Monsoon has arrived, but Nashik is still thirsty

While the monsoon has arrived, Nashik district has been left completely dry. With only a few drizzles last week, a shadow of a drought-like situation looms over the city. The district administration has already started gearing up for the water shortage. The farmers are also worried as their preparedness in terms of seeds and fertilisers is complete for the sowing process, the rains are not enough for a good kharif crop. Delayed sowing of toor, moong, urid and soyabean has endangered the crop.

According to the experts, if the seeds are sown after July 15, it will turn out to be a useless crop cycle. The receding water table has caused of water supply for sugarcane and rice as well. Last year, the rains, though delayed, had arrived by June 20. However, this year, there is no sign of the monsoons. The level in the dams in the district has gone down with Gangapur dam showing only 10% of its water capacity. Initially, the Nashik Municipal Corporation had announced 10% water cut but since Thursday the water cut has been increased to 20%. NMC has also announced that there will be no water supply for one or two days in the city if the situation does not change. In the district, 239 villages are being supplied water through 55 tankers. Nine tankers are catering to Sinnar alone.