Waghur River

Waghur River is a seasonal river that flows through the state of Maharashtra in western India. Fed primarily by the monsoon, it plays an important role in supporting local agriculture and irrigation across the region. Originating near Ajanta, the river traverses the Khandesh region before joining the Tapi River near Jalgaon. One of its most notable landmarks is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ajanta Caves, which are situated along its banks. As a significant seasonal tributary of the Tapi River, the Waghur contributes to both the cultural and ecological landscape of the region.

The Waghur River originates in the renowned Ajanta Hills near Jalki village in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district. It flows through the rugged terrain of the Ajanta Hills for approximately 21 kilometres before entering the plains of Jamner Taluka in Jalgaon district. The river then passes through another hilly stretch of more than 14 kilometres before its final 25.6-kilometre course across the plains. As the second-largest left-bank tributary of the Tapi River, the Waghur eventually joins the Tapi near Bankheda village in Jalgaon district, making it an important seasonal watercourse in the Khandesh region.

Located approximately 78 kilometres downstream from the source of the Waghur River, the Waghur Dam is an earth-fill dam situated near the villages of Kandari and Varadsim in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district. Construction of this major irrigation project began in 1978 under the Maharashtra Water Resources Department with the primary objective of supplying water for irrigation in the downstream regions. To support agricultural activities, canal networks were developed along both the left and right banks of the river. 

In 2006, exceptionally heavy rainfall in the Waghur catchment caused nearly 40 TMC of water to overflow the dam. By 2008, the reservoir had a storage capacity of 8.5 TMC. The dam measures 13.6 metres (45 feet) in height and 690 metres (2,260 feet) in length. Plans to install 20 additional spillway gates were expected to increase the reservoir's storage capacity by another 1.5 TMC. Beyond irrigation, the project was designed to provide drinking water to approximately 500,000 people and support the irrigation of nearly 64,000 acres (about 260 square kilometres) of drought-prone farmland.

The expansive reservoir of the Waghur Dam has become a popular recreational destination for local residents, offering a picturesque setting for picnics, birdwatching, and leisurely walks. Surrounded by abundant natural greenery, the area is admired for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty. During the evenings, many visitors gather at the reservoir to enjoy a peaceful stroll and the refreshing surroundings.