Low rainfall leads to surge in water tankers in Marathwada

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jul 14 (PTI) Amid low rainfall across various pockets of Marathwada region in Maharashtra, the number of tankers supplying water to various villages has surged by 100 in just a week, according to the local administration. Marathwada region, comprising Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Nanded, Hingoli, Dharashiv, Latur and Parbhani districts, received 163.7 mm of rainfall against an average of 218.1 mm till Jul 14. The region, which has received only 75 per cent of the expected rainfall, is facing water scarcity in the rural area, according to a report by the divisional commissioner. It stated the number of tankers transporting water to villages has increased to 303 from 200 on July 7, while the number of villages dependent on tankers has gone up to 182, along with 117 settlements, in seven districts till July 13. Except for Dharashiv, tankers are ferrying water to villages and settlements in all remaining seven districts. At 116, the maximum number of tankers are deployed in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. PTI AW NSK