In the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, a grave water crisis is unfolding and, according to several economists and water academics, this situation arises from ‘policy failure’. In the last year, despite receiving 300mm rainfall – an amount deemed sufficient for sustaining the population and at least one crop – the region is grappling with a severe shortage of water. The main culprits here are extensive mismanagement of water resources and four decades of continuous ‘water mining’. This ongoing exploitation has caused the groundwater table in the region to decline dramatically, making resuscitation efforts challenging.
The Groundwater Situation
Reports from the Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency indicate an alarming trend in the water table levels across Marathwada. Of the 76 talukas in the region, 70 have seen a significant drop in their groundwater levels. Shockingly, over 25 talukas have reported a drop of more than two meters, demonstrating the severity of the situation.
Understanding the Causes of the Crisis
The causes of the Marathwada water crisis are multifold. One major factor is the switch in crop patterns, which simply don’t align with the agro-climatic characteristics of the region. Previously, cereal and oilseeds – crops that are both drought-resistant and conducive to moisture harvesting – dominated the agricultural landscape. Today, however, over 80% of Marathwada’s cultivable land is used for soybean and Bt Cotton production.
A further exacerbating factor is the tantalizing prospect of sugarcane profits, pushing farmers and citizens towards the precipice of a hydrological disaster. This shift in crop choices, combined with the ineffective management of water resources, has contributed significantly to the current crisis.
Another contributing factor is the diversion of water towards industries and sugar factories. Despite the deepening water crisis, sugar factories continued operations unabated. To put things into perspective, the production of 1kg of sugar necessitates about 2,000 litres of water. The state made no significant efforts to restrict the water supply to these industries.
Water Management Statistics
| Water Requirement for Crops | Litres of Water |
|---|---|
| Sugarcane (1kg) | 2000 |
| Soybean (1kg) | 5000 |
| Bt Cotton (1kg) | 2200 |
Strategies and Solutions
It’s become clear that there needs to be a significant change in approach to solve this acute water scarcity. The Maharashtra Irrigation Act of 1976 does hold solutions – it allows for the government to issue notifications advising against the cultivation of water-intensive crops, such as sugarcane, during times of severe water shortages. Encouraging the cultivation of drought-resistant crops like oilseeds and pulses should become priority.
Simultaneously, it’s crucial to encourage the adoption of water harvesting practices and the development of watersheds under the MGNREGA programme, in order to replenish the groundwater table. Ensuring sustainable use and management of water resources is essential if we’re to prevent further hydrological disasters in Marathwada and similar regions.
