Water Scarcity in Maharashtra: From Nar-Par-Girna River Linking Project to Jalyukta Shivar Yojana, How Devendra Fadnavis Is Trying to Address Water Woes
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has intensified efforts to advance the Nar-Par river linking project, a long-stalled initiative crucial for resolving irrigation challenges in North Maharashtra. Originally approved in 1980, the Par-Tapi-Narmada river linking project faced decades of delay due to a lack of political will.
Mumbai, September 2: Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has intensified efforts to advance the Nar-Par river linking project, a long-stalled initiative crucial for resolving irrigation challenges in North Maharashtra. Originally approved in 1980, the Par-Tapi-Narmada river linking project faced decades of delay due to a lack of political will. Now, with renewed focus, the Maharashtra government is working to ensure water security for its drought-prone regions.
Despite being an agriculturally rich state, Maharashtra has struggled with inadequate irrigation facilities, particularly in regions like Dhule, Nandurbar, Solapur, and West Vidarbha. These areas often experience severe water shortages, leading to migration and even farmer suicides. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that, although the state has numerous rivers, many regions, such as Nashik, Jalgaon, and Dhule, do not receive sufficient water. Maharashtra Rains: Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis Issues Direction to Administration After Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Normal Life.
To address this, the Maharashtra government under Fadnavis revived the Nar-Par-Girna river linking project in 2022, allocating INR 7,015 crores to the initiative. This ambitious project aims to divert excess water from the Nar and Par rivers to the Girna river valley through an extensive network of canals and tunnels. Once completed, the project is expected to irrigate approximately 50,000 hectares of land in Nashik and Jalgaon districts, significantly boosting agricultural productivity. Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis Says Ather Energy Going To Invest Over Rs 2,000 Crore in Manufacturing Facility in State, Will Generate 4,000 Jobs.
In addition to this, the government has launched other major irrigation projects. Fadnavis initiated the Jalyukta Shivar Yojana with positive results along with the Marathwada Water Grid and the Nalganga Wainganga interlinking project. These initiatives are designed to improve water distribution across Maharashtra, particularly in regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada, which have historically suffered from water scarcity.
The success of these projects could transform Maharashtra’s agricultural landscape, providing much-needed relief to farmers and helping to stabilise the rural economy. With sustained commitment and efficient execution, these efforts are expected to bring substantial positive changes to the state's agricultural sector, ensuring long-term water security and improved livelihoods for its farming communities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2024 05:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).