Chandrapur: A looming water shortage could disrupt industrial operations across Vidarbha from Dec and delay the launch of around 20 proposed projects in the district. The Chandrapur MIDC Industries Association has sought urgent coordination between industries and district administrations to mitigate the impact.Association president Madhusudan Roongta said major industries in Chandrapur depend on the Wardha river, making them vulnerable to any curtailment of industrial water supplies. A shortage could hit existing operations and jeopardise the proposed investments.Roongta called for fortnightly review meetings to assess water availability, monitor consumption and ensure equitable allocation. He also urged industries to accelerate rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling and the development of alternative water sources to reduce dependence on conventional supplies.He stressed that drinking water and livestock needs must take priority over industrial consumption, while warning that the rainfall deficit could also hurt agriculture. Soyabean, tur, gram and cotton crops, along with rabi cultivation, face risks, potentially reducing agricultural output and pushing up food prices.Roongta also suggested exploring large water reservoirs in Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL) mines as an alternative source to tide over the shortage.With the shortage threatening both existing industrial operations and proposed investments, Roongta stressed the need for immediate planning and coordinated conservation measures to safeguard Vidarbha’s industrial growth.
