Major Reservoirs in major crisis

Drying reservoirs in Orissa are gasping for water

Reservoir status are quite alarming !! The approach to deal that is even more alarming. It is quite true that non-monsoon flow to all the reservoirs have been far less than their normal flows. That is part of a problem. But we must bear it in mind that climate will be more abnormal from hereonwards and we need to be prepared for that.
 
Now coming to allocation and use of stored water - was the respected Chief Engineer honest in saying that the State Water Policy is being followed in spirit?? Is it required for us to explain to him that supply to industries comes at a lower priority than even hydro-power generation. So, before curtailing water supply for hydro-power generation, has the government first curtailed water supplies to industries feeding on water from the reservoirs?? Isn't it a shame that only 31 MU was produced from Hirakud and Chipilma in March this year when it is expected to produce 1100 MU a year?? In April 200, till the 29th, Hirakud reservior produced only 24.5 MU. On the last day it could have produced another 1 MU at best. Similarly only 27.9 MU was produced from Rengali. We must look at where are we heading. 
 
I would also like to point it out here that the department of water resources has decided to close canal water supply for irrigation from today inspite of vociferous protest by the Pani Panchayats to continue supplies till May 10. Irrigation supplies were used to be made till May 10 in earlier years. Clearly, when it comes to water policy, there are quite a lot of glaring omissions and violations.