Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis unveils a bold plan to solve the state’s water crisis through river-linking, village-level conservation, and the Pokhara Scheme. Projects like Wainganga-Nalganga aim to redirect water to drought-hit regions, while modern irrigation and water literacy initiatives promote sustainable, community-driven solutions.
Maharashtra is charting a comprehensive path to address its longstanding water crisis, with a focus on river-linking projects and grassroots-level conservation measures. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking at the inauguration of the three-day Vidarbha Water Conference in Nagpur, laid out a bold and ambitious blueprint for the state’s water security future. The plan includes large-scale infrastructure developments, groundwater recharge initiatives, and an emphasis on decentralized, village-level participation.
Maharashtra, particularly regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada, has historically struggled with erratic rainfall patterns and recurring droughts. While large dams have served as the backbone of water storage and distribution, they have proven insufficient for meeting the growing agricultural and urban demands. Recognizing this, the Fadnavis-led government has shifted its focus towards integrated, sustainable water management. The background of this crisis underscores the importance of long-term planning that merges engineering solutions with community empowerment.
A centerpiece of the Chief Minister’s strategy is the execution of two major river-linking initiatives: the Wainganga-Nalganga and Tapi Recharge projects. These schemes aim to redirect 89 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water—currently draining into the sea—to parched agricultural zones. Additionally, 54 TMC from westward-flowing rivers will be channeled into the Godavari basin, and 35 TMC will be retained within the Tapi basin. These interventions are designed to not only improve irrigation coverage but also stabilize the region’s hydrological balance.
Fadnavis highlighted successful models like the Baliraja Scheme, which has positively impacted over 20,000 villages by promoting water conservation and equitable distribution. Equally notable is the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan, a people-driven initiative that raised Rs. 700 crore through citizen participation. These schemes provide strong evidence of how public involvement and transparent governance can bring about real transformation.
| Also Read: Mizoram’s capital Aizawl set for first railway line connection |
In water-abundant areas, the Chief Minister emphasized the risks of soil salinization—a direct consequence of inefficient open canal irrigation. To counter this, the government is advocating for piped water delivery systems and drip irrigation, which not only conserve water but also protect soil health. These modern techniques are crucial to maintaining sustainable agricultural productivity in the long run.
Looking ahead, the newly introduced Pokhara Scheme seeks to institutionalize village-level water audits, thereby fostering accountability and awareness. The scheme will also promote water literacy and efficient usage practices, ensuring that conservation becomes a grassroots movement rather than a top-down directive. This bottom-up strategy aligns with global best practices in sustainable water governance.
The Vidarbha Water Conference, co-hosted by Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University’s NSS unit and Jan Kalyankari Samiti, brought together a wide range of stakeholders—including scientists, academics, and local leaders. CM Fadnavis urged attendees to devise community-led solutions that are practical, innovative, and scalable. His message was clear: Maharashtra’s water crisis can be resolved only through collective effort and long-term vision.
With a mix of infrastructural investment, policy reform, and citizen engagement, Maharashtra is setting a precedent for how states can effectively combat water scarcity. The integration of river-linking with micro-level water governance offers a replicable framework for the rest of the country. As Fadnavis noted, the journey to water security is long but achievable—with sustained effort, community participation, and scientific planning.
