CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: The ongoing release of water from the Jayakwadi major irrigation project in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district reached a record discharge of over 3 lakh cusecs by Sunday night, causing the displacement of more than 9,800 residents from Jalna district and other downstream areas due to further swelling of the Godavari River.Locals from villages in Partur, Ambad, and Ghansawangi talukas on the banks of the Godavari River were moved to safer locations and accommodated in Zilla Parishad schools and community centres by the Jalna district administration.
Jalna DC Ashima Mittal said food, water, and healthcare had been provided to the relocated residents.“Different rescue teams and squads from various government departments kept a close watch on the river banks throughout the night. Citizens are requested not to panic and follow instructions issued by the district administration,” she said.
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At around 10.45 pm on Saturday, the discharge from Jayakwadi Dam crossed the 3 lakh cusec mark, breaking the previous record of 2.5 lakh cusecs set in 2006.S K Sabbinwar, Superintendent Engineer of the Command Area Development Authority of the Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (GMIDC), said the latest discharge from Jayakwadi Dam was reduced to over 2 lakh cusecs by 9 am on Monday.“Heavy rains in the catchment areas and large inflows from upstream led to the record release of water. After Jalna, the water will gradually flow to other downstream areas, where alerts have already been issued,” he told TOI.Meanwhile, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, which received triple-digit rainfall on Saturday night, was conducting rescue operations in Vaijapur and Gangapur talukas, shifting around 25 residents stranded in rainwater. In Beed district, about 12 residents from Sangwi village in Ashti taluka were also moved to safer locations on Sunday night.After affecting various parts of Marathwada over the past week, rainfall has eased, with the region recording an average of only 1 mm in the 24 hours ending Monday morning. Authorities said the break in rainfall is expected to ease flooding and lower river levels.
