Chandrapur: Below-normal rainfall has begun to affect groundwater levels in Chandrapur district, with a Sept assessment recording an average decline of 1.25 metres. While the drop is alarming, the rainfall deficit has damaged kharif crops and raised concerns over water availability for the rabi season and the coming summer.Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA) monitors 134 observation wells across the district four times a year. Its latest assessment found a decline of around one metre in Nagbhid, Korpana and Jiwti talukas, while Chandrapur, Ballarpur, Gondpipri, Pombhurna, Mul, Bhadravati, Warora, Chimur, Sindewahi, Rajura, Saoli and Brahmapuri recorded falls ranging from one to two metres.As per GSDA officials, they recorded a decline in groundwater levels ranging from one metre up to three metres across all 58 watershed areas in the district. While 14 watersheds recorded a decline of up to one metre, 38 reported a drop of one to two metres. The remaining four watersheds witnessed a decline of two to three metres, raising the possibility of water scarcity in 165 villages falling within these areas. GSDA has urged people to use water judiciously to prevent a possible shortage in the coming months.The impact of the rainfall deficit is already visible in urban areas. Chandrapur Municipal Corporation operated around 150 water tankers during summer. Around 80 tankers are still reportedly operating daily in some localities.Against an average annual rainfall of 1,040 mm, the district received 723.70 mm during the four-month monsoon season, leaving a shortfall of about 316.40 mm or 30.4% below the average. Rainfall remained largely absent during June, with intermittent showers in July and August and prolonged dry spells continuing through much of Sept.The deficient monsoon has severely affected kharif cultivation. The state govt has declared 12 of the district’s 15 talukas drought-affected: Chandrapur, Bhadravati, Gondpipri, Rajura, Korpana, Mul, Warora, Saoli, Chimur, Nagbhid, Sindewahi and Pombhurna. Crop-loss assessments are under way, and relief for affected farmers will be processed after the reports are submitted.District collector Vasumana Pant has directed all talukas to prepare water-supply plans well in advance, taking stock of available reserves and anticipated demand. The administration has been asked to prioritise water conservation, judicious consumption and contingency measures to ensure supplies through the coming summer and until the next monsoon.
