Gujarat: Congress flags critical water shortage, says dam levels at 20 pc

Ahmedabad, June 29 (IANS) The Congress on Monday claimed that a difficult drought-like situation in parts of Gujarat has left major dams in Saurashtra, Kutch and North Gujarat with only around 20 per cent of their total water storage, warning that the situation could worsen if rainfall does not improve in the coming weeks.

Addressing a press briefing at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president Amit Chavda said that the state is witnessing an “alarming” decline in rainfall, which has directly impacted sowing and agricultural activity across the region.

"Sowing has fallen by nearly 40 per cent compared to the same period last year due to an acute rainfall deficit," he claimed.

According to figures cited by the Congress, Gujarat has received only around 1 inch of rainfall so far this June, compared with 11.55 inches recorded during the same period last year, marking a shortfall of 80-85 per cent.

The party said this sharp decline has led to crop drying, reduced cultivation activity, and growing distress among farmers.

"The situation was particularly severe in Saurashtra, Kutch and North Gujarat, where dam water levels have dropped to nearly 20 per cent of storage capacity," he said.

He warned that if the monsoon is further delayed, the shortage could escalate into a drinking water crisis affecting both rural populations and livestock.

The Congress also highlighted concerns about fodder availability, stating that scarcity has forced livestock owners to travel long distances to find feed.

"The combined impact of water shortage and fodder crisis was increasing pressure on rural communities, with reports of migration emerging from some affected areas," Chavda said.

The party further demanded that irrigation canals be supplied with water immediately to protect standing crops, and urged the state government to increase electricity supply for agriculture from the current eight hours to at least 12 hours daily to allow farmers to operate tubewells more effectively.

The Congress urged the state government to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment on a war footing and announce immediate relief measures for farmers and livestock rearers.

It also called for urgent coordination with farmer representatives to address grievances and develop long-term solutions.

--IANS

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