17 water tankers now in Satara, number may go up, tanker demand to be met within 24 hrs: Guardian minister Desai

Kolhapur: To combat growing water scarcity in the district, 17 water tankers have already been deployed to affected areas. State tourism and Satara guardian minister Shambhuraj Desai said on Friday that this number is expected to rise and has directed irrigation officials to prioritise drinking water supplies over agricultural needs.Following a review of the district's water situation, Desai said that Satara's dams currently hold approximately 39% of their capacity — the same level as this time last year. Specifically, the Koyna dam, the district's primary water source, currently holds 35 TMC of water.The minister emphasised the need for caution following recent India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports regarding the El Niño effect, which may lead to deficient rainfall. "Strict instructions have been given to the superintendent engineers of irrigation projects to prolong the use of available water stocks until the end of August. We must ensure that drinking water remains available on priority," Desai said.Historically, the demand for water tankers in Satara peaks between April 15 and the first week of June. "Last year, we required 80 tankers at the peak of the crisis. While we currently have 17 in operation, we anticipate requiring fewer tankers overall this year. However, I have instructed Tehsildars to ensure that tankers are dispatched within 24 hours of a demand being placed," the minister added.Currently, the 17 tankers are serving 13 villages and 90 hamlets in Man tehsil, four villages and three hamlets in Wai tehsil, and six villages and six hamlets in Patan tehsil. Officials informed the minister that village panchayats in Karad and Khandala have already begun acquiring private wells to meet local needs.Addressing the livestock situation, Desai stated, "We have authorized Village Panchayats to acquire aquifers where necessary. Authorities have also been asked to submit funding proposals for cattle fodder and the establishment of cattle sheds if the situation demands it. As of now, there is no fodder scarcity in the district."