Centre Clears ₹6,800 Crore For Maharashtra Jal Jeevan Mission, Focus On Drought Relief

At a high-level meeting in New Delhi chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Maharashtra leaders including CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde assessed the state’s water supply and conservation projects. The review comes amid concerns of a weak monsoon due to El Niño.

Jal Jeevan Mission Progress

Maharashtra has completed compliance requirements under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water to every rural household. Nearly 90 percent of schemes have undergone joint review by state and central officials. Certification of villages, gram panchayats, talukas, and districts where projects are complete is now a priority.

River-Linking Projects

Deputy CM Shinde emphasised that river-linking projects are crucial for drought-hit areas, particularly Marathwada. The state has proposed intra-state projects, with the ₹88,000 crore Venganga-Penganga project already announced to irrigate 10 lakh acres of farmland. The Centre assured positive consideration once the Central Water Commission clears proposals.

Water Conservation Initiatives

The Centre urged Maharashtra to expand conservation works under the Jaltara scheme, while the state continues efforts through the Jalyukt Shivar programme. Around 65,000 recharge structures have already been built, with partnerships such as an MoU with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s organisation supporting groundwater recharge.

Funding And Support

After a freeze in 2025, the Centre has agreed to release ₹6,800 crore for Maharashtra’s Jal Jeevan Mission projects, prioritising those 75 percent complete. This funding will help restart over 25,000 stalled projects, ensuring rural drinking water supply and irrigation works resume.

Water Security Highlights

•⁠  ⁠Maharashtra reviewed 51,000 Jal Jeevan Mission projects with Centre’s support

•⁠  ⁠₹6,800 crore central assistance approved for pending schemes

•⁠  ⁠Focus on intra-state river-linking projects like Venganga-Penganga worth ₹88,000 crore

•⁠  ⁠65,000 water conservation structures already built under Jalyukt Shivar and Jaltara

•⁠  ⁠Certification of completed villages and districts underway for Jal Jeevan Mission

•⁠  ⁠Centre prioritises conservation as a people-led movement for long-term water security

Sources: The Week, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Press Information Bureau, Sarkaritel, Lokmat, Rediff Money, Indiatimes