Nanded Faces Water Shortage Despite Full Vishnupuri Dam: NHRC Intervenes

Nanded, 1st March 2026: Even as the Vishnupuri irrigation project stands 100% full, residents of Nanded continue to face water supply cuts every four days, triggering sharp questions over distribution and planning. Taking serious note of the situation, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the district administration to examine the issue and ensure time-bound corrective measures.

The Commission’s intervention follows a complaint highlighting that despite sufficient storage in the Vishnupuri dam — the city’s primary water source — citizens are not receiving daily water supply. In its order dated February 25, the NHRC instructed the district collector to hold discussions with the concerned departments and resolve the issue within four weeks.

Currently, more than 75% live storage is available in the Vishnupuri dam. However, residents allege that irregular supply and poor planning by the civic administration have resulted in recurring shortages. Social activist Jaymala Dhankikar had approached the Human Rights Commission in August, questioning why the city faces scarcity when adequate water is available in the reservoir.

In her complaint, Dhankikar also sought an inquiry into alleged mismanagement by the local water distribution system and demanded accountability. Acting on the plea, the Commission has asked authorities to prioritise citizens’ needs and ensure equitable distribution.

Officials indicated that the probe would examine whether lapses in water distribution, infrastructure bottlenecks, or administrative inefficiencies are responsible for the crisis. The Commission has emphasised that when water is available in abundance, citizens should not be subjected to avoidable hardship.

The issue has once again brought into focus the need for scientific planning of water resources. Every monsoon, a significant quantity of water from the Vishnupuri project reportedly flows downstream into the Godavari river basin and eventually into the sea. Activists argue that if the government undertakes appropriate storage and utilisation measures, not only Nanded city but thousands of hectares of agricultural land could benefit.

They have called for long-term planning to conserve excess monsoon discharge, strengthen distribution networks, and prevent wastage. According to Dhankikar, storing and managing the water that currently flows away could ensure abundant supply to residents and support irrigation in surrounding areas.

With the NHRC’s directive, pressure has mounted on the municipal administration to address distribution gaps and provide regular water supply. The district administration is expected to submit a compliance report within the stipulated four-week period outlining the steps taken to resolve the issue.