“We will successfully overcome Maharashtra’s water crisis through river-linking projects and village-level water conservation efforts” : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Three-day Vidarbha Water Conference begins

Transformation of 20,000 villages under the Baliraja Scheme

Tapi Recharge and Wainganga-Nalganga River Linking Projects to provide sustainable water for agriculture

 

Nagpur, June 7 – To resolve Maharashtra’s water crisis, it is essential to complement large dam projects with river-linking initiatives, water conservation, groundwater recharge, water reuse, and other small and medium-scale schemes. In this direction, we are determined to divert 54 TMC of water, which would otherwise flow into the sea through westward rivers, to the Godavari basin. Similarly, through the Nalganga-Wainganga river-linking project, we are bringing water to drought-affected regions of Vidarbha. In the Tapi basin, 35 TMC of water—currently flowing into the sea via Gujarat—will be retained in the region. These initiatives will help future Maharashtra successfully tackle drought and be known as a state that conquered water scarcity, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

 

He was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day Vidarbha Water Conference held at Vanamati Auditorium, jointly organized by the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University and Jan Kalyankari Samiti, Nagpur. Present at the event were MLA Dr. Parinay Fuke, Acting Vice-Chancellor of RTMNU Dr. Madhavi Khode Chavre, Gondwana University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Prashant Bokare, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nitin Patil, Laxminarayan Innovative Technology University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Atul Vaidya, Vanamati Director Dr. Vasumana Pant, Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation Director Rajesh Sontakke, Groundwater Survey and Development Agency Deputy Director Dr. Chandrakant Bhoyar, National Bureau of Soil Survey Director Dr. Nitin Patil, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Subhash Kondawar, Agriculture Joint Director Dr. Umesh Ghatge, Registrar Dr. Raju Hivase and other dignitaries.

 

Transformation in 20,000 Villages under the Baliraja Scheme

Vidarbha and Marathwada have long suffered from irrigation deficits. The lack of water meant no irrigation projects, and without these projects, farmers were left without water for cultivation. This vicious cycle contributed to the rise in farmer suicides, particularly in Vidarbha. To break this cycle, we focused on water planning. After taking office in 2014, we introduced the Baliraja Scheme, under which 90 projects were implemented. We also emphasized water conservation through the Jalyukt Shivar scheme. By integrating various government initiatives and appointing district collectors as the heads of these schemes, a widespread people’s movement was launched. Through this movement, citizens collectively raised around ₹700 crore for water conservation. This revolutionary step transformed the water situation in about 20,000 villages, the Chief Minister said.

 

 

Careful Water Use Is Vital to Prevent Soil Salinization

Regions with insufficient water face unique challenges. On the other hand, areas with abundant water face different issues. In places where water is used indiscriminately, fertile lands are turning saline and becoming permanently unsuitable for agriculture. Particularly in the Tapi basin, salinization is a serious concern. To address this, we must shift from open canal systems to piped water delivery and adopt high-tech methods like drip irrigation. These are the only sustainable options, he said.

 

Tapi Recharge and Wainganga-Nalganga Projects to Ensure Sustainable Water Supply for Agriculture

We recently signed an agreement with Madhya Pradesh for the Tapi Recharge project. This will help combat soil salinization in regions like Buldhana, Akola, and Washim. The project will significantly increase water availability for agriculture. The Wainganga-Nalganga River Linking Project will create a 500 km river network across Vidarbha. We’ve also completed 90% of the long-pending Gosikhurd Project, significantly improving water availability, said the Chief Minister.

 

Water Audits in Villages through the Pokhara Scheme

We have decided to implement the Nanaji Deshmukh Agricultural Sanjivani Project (Pokhara Scheme) in Vidarbha villages. This initiative will promote water literacy, encourage public participation, and help deliver advanced agricultural technologies to farmers. Through this scheme, large-scale awareness about water usage will be generated. People often do not value water simply because nature provides it. However, due to climate change, water conservation, groundwater recharge, and reuse are vital. Since water is precious, the Chief Minister urged judicious use. He added that industrial pollution in rivers is less severe compared to pollution caused by urbanization. To reduce river pollution, water from all cities must be treated before being released into rivers, he emphasized.

 

 

Conference Should Suggest Solutions Along with Identifying Problems

This three-day conference will deliberate on various issues and include presentations by experts. Alongside identifying problems, the conference is expected to produce actionable policy recommendations. Public-participation-based solutions will be more sustainable in addressing water issues, the Chief Minister said, extending his best wishes to the conference.

During the inaugural speech, Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr. Madhavi Khode Chavre expressed that participating students and citizens will serve as “Water Ambassadors” to spread awareness about appropriate water usage. Dr. Amruta Indurkar conducted the program, and Registrar Dr. Raju Hivase delivered the vote of thanks. Present at the event were SFS's Rahul Gaud, Management Council Member Dr. Samay Bansod, Senate Member and Conference Coordinator Mrs. Shubhangi Nakshine Umbarakar, Dr. Vijay Elorkar, Dr. Raj Madankar, Jan Kalyankari Samiti President Suman Puntambekar, Deepak Deshpande, and NSS Director Dr. Sopandev Pise.