In Maharashtra’s Mandesh region, tankers still quench thirst

Kolhapur: Even as heavy rainfall lashes western Maharashtra and recharges major reservoirs in the ghat regions, the drought-prone Mandesh belt — spread across parts of Satara, Sangli and Solapur districts — continues to grapple with water scarcity, forcing residents to depend on tankers for drinking water.The region, which includes Man and Khatav tehsils in Satara district, Jat, Kavathe Mahankal and Atpadi in Sangli district, and Sangola and Mangalwedha in Solapur district, has received only scattered rainfall over the past few days. Officials said the showers have not been adequate to recharge wells and borewells or revive seasonal streams and rivers.As a result, water tankers remain the primary source of drinking water in many villages.

In Man tehsil alone, 52 tankers are currently operating daily.Vikas Ahir, tehsildar of Man, said, “At present, there are 52 water tankers in the tehsil operating daily. The rainfall has been scanty. If the rain intensifies, the aquifers will be rejuvenated.”Officials in neighbouring Khatav tehsil said the situation has improved marginally after recent showers. “We had 19 tankers few days ago. Since the rain has started, though not intense yet, smaller streams are helping locals get water for drinking.

We now have 15 water tankers operating. There is no shortage of green fodder now,” said Khatav tehsildar Bai Mane.Located in the rain-shadow region, Mandesh typically receives scanty monsoon rainfall and depends heavily on the retreating monsoon. The climatic pattern has shaped the region's distinct lifestyle, agriculture and culture. Last year, however, intense rain during the retreating monsoon triggered floods and caused extensive damage to crops and farmland.The contrast with the nearby ghat region is stark. While Mahabaleshwar has received more than 300mm rainfall on each of the last three days and reservoirs have started filling up, large parts of Mandesh are still waiting for adequate rainfall.The delayed monsoon has also affected agriculture. Farmers said sowing operations have been pushed back due to inadequate soil moisture. Bajra, moong, beans and other kharif crops are the main crops grown in the region. “The sowing has delayed this time. The rain has been scanty in the region which is suitable for sowing,” said Arjun Khot, a farmer from Khatav tehsil.