River-Linking Project to Make Marathwada Permanently Drought-Free – CM Devendra Fadnavis

Foundation Stone Laid for Khuntephal Storage Reservoir and Shimpora-Khuntephal Tunne

Beed : The Jalyukt Shivar scheme, launched in 2014-15, has improved water availability in many villages and raised groundwater levels. However, to make Marathwada permanently drought-free, it is crucial to divert west-flowing river water into the Godavari basin. The state government has planned a river-linking project to channel 53 TMC of water, which would otherwise flow into the sea, to Marathwada. This initiative will ensure future generations do not suffer from drought, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He assured that the government firmly stands with farmers and the general public and is committed to transforming their lives.

During his visit to Khuntephal in Ashti taluka, CM Fadnavis inspected the pipeline work under Ashti Lift Irrigation Scheme No. 3. He unveiled the foundation stone and remotely initiated work on the Khuntephal storage reservoir and Shimpora tunnel. The Krishna-Marathwada Irrigation Project under the Godavari-Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation includes this significant scheme.

The event was attended by Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde, MP Bajrang Sonawane, MLAs Suresh Dhas, Prakash Solanke, Sandeep Kshirsagar, Namita Mundada, Vikramsingh Pandit, and Waqf Board Chairman Sameer Kazi, along with several other dignitaries.

River-Linking Project: A Necessity for Marathwada

Speaking at a public gathering in Khuntephal, CM Fadnavis emphasized the necessity of a river-linking project for irrigating the region. He mentioned that the Ashti Lift Irrigation Scheme was among the first projects approved under revised administrative sanctions in October 2022, with an allocation of ₹11,000 crore. The project aims to provide water to Dharashiv and Beed districts, ensuring that drought becomes a thing of the past. Additionally, a drip irrigation system is being integrated to ensure direct benefits for farmers.

CM Fadnavis highlighted that Maharashtra has pursued four major river-linking projects since 2022, which will make Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra drought-free. He also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured his support for these initiatives.

Solar-Powered Lift Irrigation Projects

To reduce the financial burden on farmers, the government has decided to operate all lift irrigation projects using solar power. This will eliminate high electricity costs, which previously led to the closure of many projects. The Ashti Lift Irrigation Scheme will also run on solar energy, ensuring sustainable water supply.

CM Solar Energy Transmission Scheme

To provide farmers with 12-hour daytime electricity, Maharashtra launched the Chief Minister’s Solar Energy Transmission Scheme. Maharashtra is the first state to establish a dedicated power distribution company for farmers. With a capacity of 16,000 MW, these feeder projects will be completed by December 2026 or March 2027, guaranteeing uninterrupted power supply for 12 hours. Once solar power projects are completed, electricity costs will drop from ₹8 to ₹3 per unit, benefiting households and industries.

Planning for Marathwada’s Bright Future

CM Fadnavis stressed that diverting 53 TMC of water into the Godavari basin will ensure adequate supply in Jayakwadi Dam, making water distribution more efficient. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ending drought in Marathwada, just as it did in the Manndesh region.

He also invoked Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy of uniting diverse communities for Swarajya, urging people to work together for development. Beed’s rich history should be taken forward, and the government will stand firmly with its people, he asserted.

Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil assured that irrigation projects in Marathwada and Ahilyanagar would be expedited.

Environment Minister Pankaja Munde welcomed CM Fadnavis on his first visit to Beed after assuming office. She praised his efforts in accelerating various development projects that directly benefit farmers.

MLA Suresh Dhas expressed gratitude to CM Fadnavis for his continuous support of this project since 2007, first as Water Resources Minister and now as Chief Minister.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Deepak Kapoor, provided details about the project’s planning, stating that the first phase will bring 33,000 hectares of land under irrigation.

Felicitation of Indian Women’s Kho-Kho Team

CM Fadnavis honored Indian women’s Kho-Kho team captain Priyanka Ingle and her teammates for securing the first-ever World Cup victory in the sport. Priyanka Ingle, a Kho-Kho player from Beed, was recognized for her achievements along with her team and coaches.

Compensation for Affected Farmers

CM Fadnavis distributed compensation cheques to farmers affected by land acquisition for the Khuntephal Irrigation Reservoir. Beneficiaries included Rama Thorve, Devidas Thorve, Mahadev Thorve, Vitthoba Kale, Asaram Pathare, and others.