Mumbai, Aug 19 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday directed authorities to immediately initiate water conservation works in these drought-prone locations.
He also said that villages across Maharashtra that required water supply via tankers over the last five years will receive priority inclusion under the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 3.0.
The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting on soil and water conservation management chaired by Chief Minister Fadnavis at his official residence, ‘Varsha’.
The meeting focused on accelerating water conservation projects, strengthening existing water sources, and creating an integrated management strategy through cross-departmental coordination.
“Prioritising the development of micro-watershed areas and strengthening water resources across the state is essential,” CM Fadnavis said.
He assured that adequate funds would be provided for all identified projects and urged all concerned departments to work in sync to ensure swift and impactful execution.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to conduct special surveys in villages that relied on tanker water over the past five years to tailor conservation measures according to local geography and water requirements.
To highlight the positive impact of these initiatives, CM Fadnavis also directed the state administration to document and circulate success stories related to newly strengthened water bodies.
During the meeting, Shriram Vedire, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister on Water Resources, delivered a comprehensive presentation on soil and water conservation management.
Meanwhile, Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod said on Wednesday that on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister late Sudhakarrao Naik, the Department of Soil and Water Conservation is organising ‘Maha Walkathon 2026 – Walk for Water’ on August 21.
The state-level event will take place at Worli Promenade in Mumbai, alongside simultaneous events at all district headquarters across Maharashtra.
He appealed to all citizens to actively participate in this public movement to secure the state’s water future.
He urged the public to spread the core message: “Block Water, Percolate Water, Build a Water-Sufficient Maharashtra.”
The initiative expects wide participation across all districts, including citizens, students, youth, women, public representatives, artists, athletes, government officials, employees, and various social organisations.
Minister Rathod emphasised that the event is not merely a three-kilometre walk, but a collective effort of 4,000 steps toward a water-secure future for Maharashtra.
–IANS
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