JABALPUR: Below-normal rainfall and a delayed monsoon have caused a sharp fall in the water level at the Bargi dam, a key source of drinking water and irrigation in Madhya Pradesh. Officials said the situation could affect water supply and power generation if rainfall does not improve.
According to dam officials, the water level is falling by about 5 centimetres a day. It dropped from 407.85 metres on 15 June to 407.45 metres. The reservoir now holds 12.59% of its storage capacity, compared with about 22% during the same period last year.
Jabalpur has received about 1.5 inches of rainfall so far in June. The normal average by 30 June is about 8 inches. The India Meteorological Department said the northern limit of the monsoon is near Mandla and is expected to move further.
The low water level has also reduced power generation at the dam. One of the two power units has remained shut since 27 June. The second unit now operates for about three hours a day, compared with 8 to 10 hours earlier.
Experts said the water level has fallen so low that opening all 21 gates would not release water. Parts of the reservoir have also dried up, and people have been visiting the site to see the low water level.
The Bargi dam supplies Narmada river water for drinking to Jabalpur and several nearby areas. Its canal network also provides irrigation water to Jabalpur and Narsinghpur districts. There are also plans to extend the water supply to Katni and Satna.
Experts said poor rainfall in July could increase pressure on drinking water supply, irrigation and power generation. They also said the weak rainfall pattern may be linked to the possible influence of El Niño.
