Water Crisis In Marathwada: Breweries May Face Supply Cut, Official Warns 

Authorities are considering limiting water supply to breweries in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar if necessary due to insufficient rainfall leading to water scarcity in Marathwada, according to an official statement. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and the neighbouring Jalna district rely on water from the Jayakwadi dam’s Nath Sagar reservoir, which caters to both residential and industrial needs.

Twelve companies in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are involved in liquor and beer production. In the fiscal year 2023-24, they collectively produced 761.53 lakh bulk litres of liquor and 3,778.28 bulk litres of beer, generating a revenue of ₹5,455.70 crore for the state government—an increase of ₹347.14 crore from the previous year, as confirmed by an excise official. Amid the water crisis, the district is heavily dependent on water tankers, with 443 currently in operation. As of April 4, 269 villages and 48 hamlets rely on tanker water supply, as revealed by a revenue official.

When questioned about water availability and management, Collector Dilip Swami emphasized that ensuring drinking water for residents remained their top priority. However, he stated, “If the water demand from breweries surpasses available resources, we may need to reduce their supply.” He made these remarks during a media interaction as part of the ‘Samvad Setu’ programme aimed at discussing the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the district.

The situation underscores the importance of managing water resources effectively while ensuring essential needs are met for all residents.