Nashik: CM Devendra Fadnavis Calls For Water Conservation To Make Maharashtra Drought-Free

Nashik: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged gram panchayats throughout Maharashtra to enhance rural development through active participation and to focus on water conservation and efficient water management to tackle water scarcity permanently. The call for action came at a ceremony in Nashik to inaugurate the next stage of the Mukhyamantri Samruddha Panchayat Raj Abhiyan.

Approximately 10,000 sarpanches, gram sevaks, villagers and officials representing local self-governance bodies from all corners of the state took part in the event. Addressing the audience, Fadnavis promised government support for farmers amidst the ongoing rainfall shortfall and harm to kharif crops. He declared, “The state government has declared a drought, and preparations are underway to assist affected farmers by waiving technical criteria.

It is the government’s duty to help every farmer.” He pointed out that dams had ample water reserves and urged citizens to use the available water wisely. Fadnavis also advocated for desilting dams and preserving every drop of rainwater. He reiterated that food grains would be distributed to farmers and agricultural workers during the crisis.

Appealing to farmers not to sell their cattle and livestock, he assured them that the government would arrange sufficient fodder and water for animals. He further stated that employment opportunities and the necessary funds would be made available to laborers during the period of scarcity.

Illegal borewells in Ambad MIDC were ordered to be sealed alongside a strict pollution action. As drought and water shortages persist in various regions of Maharashtra, Fadnavis stressed the necessity of implementing effective water conservation measures at the village level. These measures encompass rainwater harvesting, enhancing groundwater recharge, raising groundwater levels, and safeguarding existing water resources.

Every village should evaluate its water availability and needs, and create a comprehensive water budget, he said. Proper planning for water use, storage, and groundwater replenishment, along with active public involvement, is crucial for sustainable water management in rural areas. Local self-governance bodies were honored for their achievements under the Mukhyamantri Samruddha Panchayat Raj Abhiyan 2025-26.

The Chief Minister expressed his hope that other gram panchayats would be motivated by the development efforts carried out by these local bodies. The following phase of the Mukhyamantri Samruddha Panchayat Raj Abhiyan 2026-27 was also launched during the event, underscoring the significance of implementing rural development initiatives through collaboration among villagers, elected representatives, and the administration, rather than relying solely on government schemes.

During the program, Fadnavis voiced his dissatisfaction with the considerable distance between the stage and the audience due to security arrangements. He directed the police to reduce the gap in such events so that elected representatives could interact directly with citizens and better understand their concerns. The meeting centered on rural development, water management, and public participation, emphasizing the need to strengthen village-level planning, expedite development initiatives, and establish sustainable water management practices across Maharashtra.