Maharashtra has directed district collectors to restart defunct tap-water supply schemes within 15 days as the state responds to drought conditions and seeks to reduce dependence on water tankers. The order was issued by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule at a high-level meeting of the drought relief cabinet subcommittee in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Bawankule, who chairs the subcommittee, said tankers should be treated as the last option for supplying water. Before resorting to tanker distribution, authorities must restore schemes that have stopped functioning, according to the report by Sakal-Pune. Eleven ministers who are members of the subcommittee and senior administrative officials attended the meeting.
The review found that water-supply schemes across Maharashtra have outstanding dues of approximately Rs 3,000 crore. The minister proposed examining a one-time settlement scheme under which penalties and interest could be waived, while the principal amount would be paid in instalments. The proposal is intended to address financial liabilities that are affecting the operation of local water-supply infrastructure.
The government has also asked officials to complete schemes that are about 75% finished but have remained stalled because of a lack of funds. The remaining 25% of work on these projects is to be completed urgently, with instructions issued to district collectors to bring the schemes into operation within the same 15-day period. Officials were also asked to plan the payment of current electricity bills using funds from the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions.
The decisions place electricity supply, project financing and local administrative coordination at the centre of the state’s immediate drought response. Restoring an existing scheme can require both the settlement of operating dues and completion of pending works, rather than only the installation of new water infrastructure. The meeting did not specify the number or locations of the schemes covered by the 15-day order.
The subcommittee also reviewed measures to prevent fodder shortages. District collectors have been asked to establish fodder banks with support from the agriculture and animal husbandry departments and prepare a standard operating procedure for fodder planning. Fodder available in surplus districts will be supplied to neighbouring districts facing shortages.
The state will provide fodder seeds through a fund of Rs 62 crore. Farmers with reliable water availability will receive seeds to encourage fodder production, while government institutions will procure fodder at a guaranteed price, according to the report. The administration is implementing the third phase of drought-relief measures in 305 talukas and plans to compile all relevant data by October 31. A clearer assessment of the state’s drought situation is expected to emerge the following week.
During the meeting, representatives also sought the use of corporate social responsibility funds and District Planning and Development Committee funds for drought-relief work. Another decision called for water-storage structures, including storage ponds and other water sources, to be developed alongside road construction projects. Revenue department wasteland may also be made available to women’s self-help groups for fodder production.
