Tankers in Marathwada cross400-mark amid severe scarcity

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The number of water tankers deployed in Marathwada has now gone beyond 400.Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which has a maximum of around 73% rain deficiency, accounts for nearly two-thirds of the total tankers deployed.Notably, Marathwada region had only around 156 tankers deployed by May 10. The need for such alternative supply has more than doubled over a month.As per the official data, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district has maximum 259 tankers deployed , followed by Jalna (85), Dharashiv (17), Nanded (14), Parbhani (11), Beed (8), Latur (3) and Hingoli (2).“Over 1,150 private wells have been acquired in the region for refilling tankers and fulfilling the water needs of affected residents. Standing instructions have been in place to arrange a tanker if villagers claim scarcity,” a senior official from the revenue department said, appealing to residents to ensure judicious use of waterMarathwada comprising eight districts has received an average of 38 mm rainfall since June 1, showing nearly 23% rainfall deficiency. Some of the districts, including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (73%), Jalna (62%) and Hingoli (55%), however, are showing rain deficiency more than the average for the region.As per the forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), no vigorous rainfall activity is likely in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and many other parts of Marathwada for the next 24-hours. The chances of partly cloudy weather with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers are likely in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.