Devastating Floods in Maharashtra: Over 63 Lakh Hectares of Agricultural Land Affected

Severe flooding in several districts of Maharashtra has caused widespread damage to agricultural land, with the state's agriculture sector reeling under the impact of heavy rainfall and resultant floods. The dire situation has been exacerbated by the torrential rains that have submerged roads, destroyed crops, and disrupted traffic movement. According to reports, the affected areas may further increase, posing a significant challenge to the state's agricultural sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 63 lakh hectares of agricultural land have been devastated due to heavy rainfall and floods in Maharashtra, with the affected areas expected to increase further.
• Solapur district alone has reported 1.6 lakh hectares of crop fields destroyed, with most circles receiving heavy rainfall exceeding 65mm eligible for compensation.
• The Koyna dam in Satara district reached full capacity on Saturday, prompting officials to open the radial gates and release 9,600 cusec of water into the Koyna river, reducing the dam's stock to 99.7%.
• Discharge from the power house spillway continues at 2,100 cusec, bringing the total discharge from Koyna dam to 11,700 cusec.
• When 64 mm or more of rainfall is recorded in a 24-hour period, it is classified as heavy rainfall, and the affected areas are eligible for compensation.
• Solapur's tehsils bordering Dharashiv received significant rainfall, with Malshiras recording 52mm and Hotagi receiving 32mm, while Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur districts reported no rainfall.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert, expecting thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds in the affected districts, for Sunday.

Statistics:

• 63 lakh hectares of agricultural land affected throughout Maharashtra
• 1.6 lakh hectares of crop fields destroyed in Solapur district alone
• 9,600 cusec of water released from the Koyna dam into the Koyna river
• 99.7% reduction in the Koyna dam's stock
• 2,100 cusec discharge from the power house spillway
• 11,700 cusec total discharge from Koyna dam
• 52mm of rainfall recorded in Malshiras
• 32mm of rainfall recorded in Hotagi
• India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a yellow alert for thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall in affected districts

Sources:

• "Maharashtra: Bori river flowing through Akkalkot tehsil in spate" by The Times of India
• "Rainfall in Maharashtra: Over 1.6 lakh hectares of crop fields destroyed in Solapur district" by The Times of India
• "Koyna dam in Satara district reaches full capacity, officials open radial gates" by The Times of India