Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 30: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday directed the Water Resources Department to accelerate the completion of stalled irrigation projects and focus on transforming the quality of life in rehabilitated villages, aiming to bring long-term economic relief to farmers and rural communities.

Chairing a review meeting on land acquisition and ongoing irrigation initiatives, CM Fadnavis emphasized the urgent need to provide permanent irrigation facilities to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability. He highlighted that tender processes have resumed after nearly two decades for several delayed projects.

“After these projects are completed, sustainable irrigation will be available to agriculture, and the economic condition of farmers will improve significantly,” the CM said.

Focus on Key Projects

The Kalu River Project in Thane district was identified as a high-priority undertaking, crucial for Mumbai’s water supply. CM Fadnavis instructed district collectors to propose alternative forest lands affected by the project, and ensure afforestation to compensate for ecological loss.

He also urged expedited land acquisition for the Jigaon project and other key schemes, underlining that irrigation expansion directly translates to improved agricultural capacity.

Revamping Rehabilitated Villages

For the 210 gaothans (villages) being resettled due to irrigation developments—116 of which have already been rehabilitated—the CM demanded comprehensive upgrades, including:

• Concrete internal roads
• Closed sewage drainage systems
• Reliable local water sources
“These efforts will ensure that rehabilitated villages never face water shortages again,” he said.

Current Progress

According to official figures:

• 57 irrigation projects are currently underway
• 1,06,513 hectares of land are required
• 27,755 hectares of land acquisition is still pending
• On completion, projects will add 6.68 lakh hectares of irrigation capacity
• Water storage of 78.90 TMC will be created

The CM urged district administrations to prioritize pending land acquisition, streamline inter-departmental coordination, and ensure timely project completion for lasting agricultural and rural upliftment.