Mumbai, Maharashtra: The Maharashtra government is intensifying its preparedness measures to mitigate the potential impact of El Niño on the upcoming monsoon season. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed all state departments to prioritize water management, expedite conservation efforts, and ensure coordinated action to address anticipated challenges, including below-normal rainfall.
Water Management and Conservation at the Forefront
In a high-level review meeting, Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized the necessity of advance planning and effective implementation to counter the effects of a potential El Niño. He stressed the importance of proper water resource management, accelerating water conservation projects, and undertaking the repair and rejuvenation of existing water bodies as a priority. The Chief Minister highlighted that lessons learned from the 2015 El Niño year, which saw water storage levels drop significantly, should guide current strategies. He noted that water storage levels before the current monsoon are comparable to those in 2015, underscoring the need for proactive measures.
Fadnavis directed that district-level task forces, comprising district collectors, irrigation officials, and local self-government representatives, be established to oversee water conservation and related initiatives. The government is focusing on ensuring sufficient drinking water availability for both rural and urban areas, not just for the current year but also for the subsequent summer. Emphasis is also being placed on the judicious use of water resources.
Agriculture and Livestock Preparedness
The looming threat of reduced rainfall due to El Niño has raised concerns for the upcoming Kharif cropping season. The Agriculture Department has initiated advance preparations to mitigate potential risks, including a state-level workshop in Pune focusing on rainfall patterns, agricultural impacts, and suitable cropping strategies. Key officials, including the Agriculture Minister, are expected to deliberate on strategies to minimize crop losses and ensure sustainable agricultural planning amidst uncertain monsoon conditions.
Steps are also being taken to avert fodder shortages for livestock. The Chief Minister suggested the utilization of dam backwater areas for fodder cultivation, with special attention to the Marathwada region and districts like Solapur and Sangli. Fodder development programs are to be implemented effectively within the state, reducing reliance on external supplies.
Meteorological Forecasts and Potential Offsets
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the impact of El Niño is likely to peak in August and September, with below-normal rainfall expected during the monsoon season. While temperatures in May are anticipated to remain relatively moderate, there is a heightened likelihood of more frequent heatwave conditions. However, officials have noted that a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) could partially offset the adverse effects of El Niño, though its late development might limit its compensatory capacity.
The IMD’s long-range forecast indicates a probability of below-normal rainfall across most parts of Maharashtra, with specific concern for central, western, and Marathwada regions. Private forecaster Skymet has also warned of a potentially below-normal monsoon, impacting groundwater recharge, reservoir levels, and the power situation, with a risk of diverse and biased rainfall distribution.
Long-Term Water Security Plans
The state government has outlined long-term water management plans, with significant budget allocations for water resources. These include extensive river-linking projects aimed at transferring surplus water to drought-prone areas and a campaign to plant 300 crore trees across Maharashtra to enhance green cover. A State Water Information Centre is also being established in Nashik to provide digital data on water resources.
Measures are also being implemented to ensure 100% treatment and effective reuse of urban sewage, alongside strengthening the financial capacity of urban local bodies. The Chief Minister also underlined the need to ensure timely fertilizer availability and improve transparency in distribution, suggesting the integration of the AgriStack system and the use of artificial intelligence for monitoring fertilizer distribution.
The Chenab Times News Desk