Water Crisis in Sangli: 10 Percolation Lakes Dry Up as Temperatures Soar in Shirala Taluka

Rising temperatures in Sangli's Shirala taluka are causing a significant drop in reservoir water levels. As a result, 10 out of 49 percolation lakes have dried up, leading to a water shortage for local wildlife. Efforts are underway to convert Karmale No. 1 and Pachumbri lakes into storage lakes. Of the remaining 47 lakes, Hattegaon is at 95% capacity, while 10 lakes are completely empty. Two lakes are at 90%, one at 85%, and three at 50%.

The increased heat has also lowered water levels in dams, wells, and boreholes, exacerbating the drinking water shortage for agriculture and animals in various areas. By the end of March, water levels are expected to decrease significantly, worsening the water scarcity issue.

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The current water storage percentages for the lakes are as follows:

Hattegaon (95), P.T. Shirala No. 1, Padli (90), Khirwade (85), Bhatwadi, Wadibhagai Biur (75), Wakurde Budruk, Jamdad Kuran, Badewadi Wakurde Budruk, Antri Khurd, Nigdi Maharadara, Kapri, Tadwale No. 1 (70), Gawalewadi Undir Khora, Gawalewadi Bahirkhora, Wakurde Khurd, Padlewadi (65), Aundhi (55), Shirsatwadi, Khed, Red No. 2 (50), Meni (Sankribi Nala, Beldarwadi, Tadwale Waddara (45), Yelapur (Chavhanwadi), Karmale No. 2 (40), Atugadewadi (Meni), Dhamwade (Kundanala), Ladevadi (35), Kondaiwadi No. 1 and 2, Shirshi (Kasarki), P.T. Shirala No. 2, Pavlewadi No. 1 and 2 (25), Pachumbri (20), Charanwadi No. 1, Bhatshirgaon (15).

The dried-up percolation lakes include Sawantwadi, Shirshi No. 1, Shirshi Bhairavdara, Kalekhind, Shivarwadi, Bhairavdi, Nigdi Juna Kasardara, Nigdi Khokhaddara, Karmala No. 1, and Ingrul.