Experts split over Jayakwadi release

NASHIK: Experts are divided over the release of water from dams in Nashik to Jayakwadi in Marathwada, which has 65% storage at present.
The earlier orders of water release by Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) have been challenged and officials are unsure of the steps to be taken now.
Though water storage levels are at 65% at Jayakwadi now, they are unlikely to touch 76% in the first fortnight of October.In such a scenario, the Mendhegiri Committee had recommended release of water towards Jayakwadi if the storage in Gangapur dam is over 90%.
"That was a benchmark used to decide water release when the storage was very low in upstream dams and Jayakwadi. The decision was taken on the basis of Table 6 of the Mendhegiri committee recommendations, which have been challenged. We are of the view that this year we will not have to release water condisering the 65% water storage at Jayakwadi," a senior WRD official said.
Water experts, however, said that Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (GMIDC) is yet to calculate the stock of water in the dams across the region. "The evaluation of water stock will be carried out in the first fortnight of the October. They will weigh the dam storage and the amount of rainfall in Nashik and Jayakwadi to arrive at a conclusion," said Rajendra Jadhav, who heads Jalchintan, a city-based non-governmental organisation.
He added, "While the rainfall needs to be checked, the current dam storages show that Nashik may have to release some water from their reservoirs though it may be smaller in the quantity."
When pointed out that the recommendations of Mendhegiri committee were not fully accepted by the government, Jadhav said there was no clear guideline on the issue.
"There is no demarcation when to stop. While the order said that if the storage crosses 65% in Jayakwadi, there is no need to release water from upstream dams. It also states that 'guiding principles will be reviewed each year'. A report thereon be made to MWRRA, which has the scope of requiring the release of water," Jadhav said.