Equitable distribution of water: SC upholds HC order

New Delhi, Nov 22 (Bureau) The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the petition filed by the leaders of Western Maharashtra to stay the order for release of rightful quota of 8.6 TMC of water into Jayakwadi dam in Marathwada region from upstream dams in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts and allowed the state government to implement the High Court’s order to release water. As per the equitable water distribution formula, the Water Resources department had ordered to release 8.603 TMC water till October 31, 2023 into Jayakwadi dam. However, Padmashri Vikhe-Patil factory and Sanjivani factory in Western Maharashtra filed a petition in the apex court against this order, as there was a strong opposition to release the rightful quota of water to Marathwada. Due to this, there was a delay in implementation of the order to release the water.

Against this, different sugar factories and organisations filed an intervention petition in the Supreme Court, which was heard today. The Supreme Court upheld the order passed by the High Court and rejected the plea for stay on the High Court’s order to release 8.603 TMC of rightful water to Marathwada’s Jayakwadi dam.With today’s ruling, the path for the rightful quota of water into Jayakwadi dam has been cleared, and now it has to be seen what the role of the state government will be.