Dwindling water stock in the state has set alarm bells ringing. With around 19.35% water stock left in reservoirs across the state, the threat of severe water scarcity looms large over Maharashtra through the month of May.

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According to the state government data, water in state reservoirs has been plummeting speedily. In Maharashtra, the total storage in all reservoirs is 19.35% against 30.84% last year. Amravati region reservoirs have 24.07% water stock left against 20.79% last year. In Aurangabad, the worst-hit in the state, the water level in all reservoirs have dropped to 5.14% against 28.2 % last year. The second worst-affected region is Nagpur region which has 10.17% water stock against 15.91% previous year. While Nasik has 17.78% water stock against 32.66% last year, Pune region reservoirs are left with 23.26% water stock against 34.47% last year. The situation in the Konkan region is little better with dams here having 40.58% water stock against 47.57% last year.

The reservoirs that provide water to Mumbai city are also drying up rapidly, but have sufficient water. The Middle Vaitarna has got 24.59% water storage, Modak Sagar 50.46%, and Tansa 34%.

The data revealed that the big reservoirs of Aurangabad region are left with only 2.73% water stock while mid-level dam has 8.51% water stock. Big reservoirs in Nagpur have 8.51% water storage, while mid-level dams have 15.22% water stock. Big reservoirs across the state have live water storage of 17.54% against 31.33% last year, while in the mid-level dams have 28.33% water against 31.08% last year.

In Aurangabad, most of the reservoirs have dried up. Of its eight major reservoirs, the water level has dropped to zero in seven, including the largest dam — Jayakwadi. In Kokan, Batsa dam has is left with 37.91% water stock against 43.2% previous year.

Besides Aurangabad, reservoirs across the state including Radhananagri dam (32.67%), Tulsi dam (45.14%) Koyana (38.6%) are also drying up, creating acute water shortage.

After the review of the situation in the cabinet meeting on Thursday, we will do everything required to give relief to the people

Irrigation minister Girish Mahajan, irrigation minister said that they have sought the permission from the election commission to conduct the meetings with the district collectors. After reviewing the situation in these areas, relief will be provided. "We have enough water stock that can be utilised till June. If we fail to get permission from the EC, we tour the drought-affected regions on private vehicles and figure out mitigation measures," Mahajan added.