The Maharashtra Government will simultaneously inaugurate 1,424 small check dams in the State on Sunday. These dams, constructed over the last one year, are expected to help irrigate 5,692 hectares.

They are also meant to help increase the water availability in 15 chronically drought-prone talukas of the State. The dams will increase groundwater availability and also prevent soil erosion.

Addressing the media, V. Giriraj, Secretary for Water Conservation, said that the monsoon is becoming increasingly erratic in the State; the dams will check rain water runoff and ensure that the maximum amount of water percolates down to the underground reservoirs. Recharged reservoirs will ensure water supply to the wells in the rural areas, he said.

“It kind of a safety mechanism against drought in these talukas; because, when it rains, the dams will make the most of it,” he said.

More crops

Also addressing the media, Maharashtra’s Minister for Water Conservation Nitin Raut said that farmers who are dependent on monsoon for agriculture would be able to grow other crops in the rabi season.

The additional moisture will help in increasing soil productivity, he said.

Raut pointed out that earlier, small dams were built using stones, but they did not last. Therefore, this year, the dams have been built with cement concrete, which will last for over 20 years.

About Rs 143 crore has already been spent on the project. Plans are already afloat to extend the network of these dams across water stressed talukas of the State, he said.

Raut said talukas that traditionally depended on tankers for drinking water supply in the summer months and areas with low water tables were being given priority.

rahul.wadke@thehindu.co.in

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