State to Permanently Overcome Drought Through River Linking Projects: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Major Announcements at MWRRA’s 21st Anniversary to Fast-Track River Linking Initiatives; MoU Signed with Mazagon Dock

Mumbai, August 13: The Maharashtra Government is set to execute large-scale river linking projects to permanently eliminate drought across all regions of the state through integrated water management. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a key announcement that physical work on these projects will commence either later this year or early next year, immediately upon receiving approval from the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Speaking at a special event celebrating the 21st Anniversary of the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA), the Chief Minister addressed a distinguished gathering that included Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Eknath Dawale, and MWRRA Chairperson Shwetali Thakare alongside other senior officials. During the event, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between MWRRA and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.

Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted that diverting surplus water from west-flowing rivers that currently drains into the sea into the Godavari basin will effectively address water deficits in North Maharashtra and Marathwada. While several projects have already secured requisite approvals, others are currently at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage. He further noted that the Wainganga-Nalganga project will serve as a vital, ambitious driver to eradicate drought in the Vidarbha region.

Maharashtra holds the distinction of establishing India’s first water resources regulatory authority. Starting with the Godavari basin, comprehensive plans were developed for the Krishna, Tapi, Narmada, West-flowing rivers, and Mahanadi basins. Integrating these six basins, Maharashtra formulated the nation’s first Integrated State Water Plan in October 2018. This plan was subsequently updated in 2024 to incorporate river linking projects.

Emphasizing the need to achieve a sustainable water balance across agriculture, drinking water, and industry, the Chief Minister reiterated the importance of diverting water into deficit basins. He expressed strong confidence that these river linking projects will ensure abundant water availability even in severely drought-prone regions, paving the way for a completely drought-free Maharashtra.