The district administration of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has announced an ambitious plan to make 968 villages and 12 wadis completely tanker-free under the Jal Samruddha Gaon Abhiyan.
The initiative aims to provide a sustainable, long-term solution to the region’s water woes, currently mitigated by the use of 263 tankers. The acute water shortage has stemmed from insufficient rainfall during the last monsoon and a declining groundwater table. As part of the first phase of the programme, officials will survey the affected villages and assess over 191 wells to determine the feasibility of refilling them through rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge methods. The plan prioritises rooftop water harvesting across government, semi-government, and private buildings to increase water percolation and enhance groundwater levels.
District authorities have confirmed that technical staff will be trained between May 19 and June 24 to implement recharge strategies effectively. The focus areas include well and borewell refilling techniques and rooftop harvesting. To ensure streamlined execution, a taluka-level committee will be formed under the leadership of the block development officer, comprising tehsildars, agriculture officers, deputy engineers, junior engineers, and other key officials from the water supply department. The initiative represents the government’s broader strategy to reduce rural dependence on tanker supply and promote self-sustaining water sources. District officials are optimistic about the campaign’s success, stating that Jal Samruddha Gaon Abhiyan could become a model for other drought-prone regions.
If executed as planned, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar may soon set a precedent in rural water management, turning the tide on its persistent tanker reliance.
