With rain continuing to evade many parts of the State, dams in Maharashtra are left with just 25 per cent water compared with 46.5 per cent during the same period last year.

The situation in drought-hit Marathwada region is alarming as dams have just 0.82 per cent water. As many as 4,716 water tankers are supplying drinking water to about 12,800 villages and hamlets in the State.

Deficient rainfall

Eight districts in Marathwada recorded 177.8 mm rainfall from June 1 to July 23 against the normal rainfall of 259.9 mm, registering 32 per cent deficiency.

The Vidarbha region has reported 40 per cent deficiency during the same period. The Yavatmal district, known for farmer suicides, has recorded 58 per cent deficiency with just 148.4 mm rainfall against the normal rainfall of 355.3 mm.

The State has 149.74 lakh hectares under kharif cultivation, out of which sowing has been completed on 110.36 lakh hectares (73.70 per cent). If rains continue to evade the region, farmers will have to go for another round of sowing.

After taking a review of the rain deficiency, the State government is gearing for artificial rain in Solapur and Aurangabad districts. The State might launch cloud-seeding this week, said State Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil. State-run fodder camps will continue to operate till August 1 as farmers have opposed the closure of camps.