14 July,2026 06:48 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondent
The number of water tankers supplying villages increased from 200 on July 7 to 303 by 13 July. Representational Pic/File
A prolonged spell of below-average rainfall has led to a sharp increase in the number of water tankers supplying villages across Maharashtra's Marathwada region, according to the local administration, reported the PTI.
Officials said that the number of tankers has risen by more than 100 in just one week as water shortages continue to affect several rural areas.
Marathwada, which comprises the districts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Nanded, Hingoli, Dharashiv, Latur and Parbhani, has received 163.7 mm of rainfall against the seasonal average of 218.1 mm up to July 14, the news agency reported.
It means the region has recorded only around 75 per cent of its expected rainfall so far, increasing pressure on water resources.
According to a report by the Divisional Commissioner's office, the number of water tankers supplying villages increased from 200 on July 7 to 303 by 13 July.
The report also noted that 182 villages and 117 settlements across seven districts are now dependent on tanker supplies for drinking water.
Dharashiv is the only district in the region that has not required tanker services so far. The remaining seven districts are relying on tankers to meet water demand, as per the PTI.
Among the affected districts, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has the highest number of water tankers in operation, with 116 tankers currently supplying drinking water to villages and settlements.
Officials are closely monitoring the situation as the region awaits further monsoon rainfall to improve water availability and reduce dependence on emergency tanker services, the news agency reported.
Mumbai's seven lakes supplying water to the city have collectively reached 49.93 per cent of their live storage capacity, according to the Hydraulic Engineer's Department, Master Control Centre (Bhandup Complex) report recorded at 6 am on Monday, July 13.
The total useful water stock in the reservoirs stood at 7,22,649 million litres (ML), compared to 10,87,865 ML (75.16 per cent) during the corresponding period last year and 3,61,826 ML (25 per cent) in 2024.
Among the seven lakes, Vihar Lake continues to overflow, maintaining 100 per cent live storage capacity with 27,698 ML of water. The lake began overflowing on July 7 at 9 pm, the report stated.
Tulsi Lake, which started overflowing on July 7 at 11.43 pm, is currently at 99.25 per cent capacity, holding 7,986 ML of water against its full storage capacity of 8,046 ML.
(with PTI inputs)
