Nagpur: It's the start of the monsoons, and dams across the state are nearly half full. The average level in all 2,997 dams across the state stands at over 41% as of Thursday. It was a little more than 20% on the same day last year.If the level increases quickly, there is a likelihood that water may have to be released earlier from some of the reservoirs, to prevent dams from breaching. This can increase the riverbed levels. However, it is too early to determine as the monsoon still has a long way to go. The dynamics of each dam are different. Normally, 80% of the level is maintained in the dams and rest of the water is released, said an official in the state's water resources department (WRD).The highest water level in dams is in the Konkan division, with 53.45%. On June 26, the water level stood at 29% in these dams. The least was in the Nagpur division, with 31.43%, which is 4% below the same period last year. At 39%, the dams have 2% more water than last year in the Amravati division. The Nagpur and Amravati divisions cover the eastern and western districts of the region. The Totladoh dam that feeds Nagpur city has 51% water, similar to last year's levels.

Even the Chattrapati Sambhaji Nagar division that covers Marathwada, which was parched last year, has 33% water in its dams. Last year, it was at 9.36%, according to the data maintained by the state's water resources department (WRD).The WRD categorises the dams as major, medium, and minor irrigation projects. The Gosikhurd dam, which is the biggest in the region, is 12% full; last year, it was 24% full. However, this is because water is being released through canals for irrigation and hydropower generation too. Increased usage has kept the level in Gosikhurd low this year, said sources.