Maharashtra Cabinet Decisions

Water Resources Department

Approval of ₹1,594 Crore for Solar Power Project Enhancing Energy Efficiency of Mhaisal Lift Irrigation Scheme

In a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approval was granted for the establishment of a solar power project under the Krishna-Koyna Lift Irrigation Scheme. This ₹1,594 crore project aims to enhance the energy efficiency of the Mhaisal Lift Irrigation Scheme. The project is expected to fulfill the annual energy requirement of approximately 398 million units of electricity for the scheme.

The Krishna-Koyna Lift Irrigation Project includes two separate lift irrigation schemes—Takari and Mhaisal. Originating from the Krishna River at Mhaisal, the scheme lifts 23.44 TMC of water in phases to irrigate 1,08,197 hectares of drought-prone land across Miraj, Kavathe Mahankal, Tasgaon, and Jat talukas in Sangli district, as well as Sangola and Mangalwedha talukas in Solapur district.

At the time of approval, it was mandated to maximize solar energy usage for water lifting operations. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce electricity expenses for the scheme. The Union Finance Ministry has approved the preliminary project report for funding assistance.

To ensure long-term energy efficiency and promote green energy, the project will receive funding through a tripartite agreement. A loan of €130 million (approximately ₹1,120 crore) from KfW German Bank and a state government investment of ₹474 crore will support the total ₹1,594 crore project cost.

Under this initiative, 65 out of the 108 pumps in the Mhaisal scheme will be replaced with new energy-efficient models. Additionally, an APFC and SCADA system will be installed, and a 200 MW solar power project will be set up. The generated power will be transmitted via a dedicated power line to the 220/33 kV Narwad substation. The project will be coordinated by the Chief Engineer (Electricity), Hydro Power Project, Mumbai, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission, Mahavitaran, and relevant agencies.

₹1,275.78 Crore Allocation for Varkhede Londhe Barrage Medium Project in Jalgaon District

In the Cabinet meeting, an allocation of ₹1,275.78 crore was approved for the revised budget of the Varkhede Londhe (Barrage) Medium Project in Chalisgaon taluka of Jalgaon district.

This project, under the Tapi Irrigation Development Corporation, is located 1.5 km from Varkhede Bu. village on the Girna River. The reservoir has a total storage capacity of 35.587 MCM, with an effective capacity of 34.772 MCM. It will provide irrigation facilities for 8,290 hectares in Chalisgaon and Bhadgaon talukas. The Cabinet granted its third administrative approval for the project’s cost today.

Home Department

Establishment of State Anti-Narcotics Task Force with 364 Positions and Budget Approval

The Cabinet approved the establishment of a State Anti-Narcotics Task Force, including 346 personnel positions and the necessary budget. The force was initially sanctioned in a government resolution on August 31, 2023.

The approved 346 positions include 310 regular posts and 36 contractual posts. The regular positions are as follows:

• Key Officers: 1 Special Inspector General of Police, 1 Deputy Inspector General, 3 Superintendents of Police, 3 Additional Superintendents of Police, 10 Deputy Superintendents of Police
• Investigative Staff: 15 Police Inspectors, 15 Assistant Police Inspectors, 20 Police Sub-Inspectors, 35 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 48 Head Constables, 83 Constables
• Support Staff: 18 Driver Head Constables, 32 Driver Constables, 1 Superintendent, 2 Chief Clerks, 11 Senior Clerks, 7 Junior Clerks, 2 Senior Stenographers, and 3 Junior Stenographers.

The contractual positions include 3 Scientific Assistants, 3 Legal Officers, 18 Office Attendants, and 12 Cleaners.

The total recurring expenditure for this task force is ₹19.24 crore, while the non-recurring expenditure, including vehicle procurement, is ₹3.13 crore.

Finance Department

Approval for the Establishment of the Sixth State Finance Commission

The Cabinet approved the establishment of the Sixth State Finance Commission, which will make recommendations for the five-year period from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. The commission is required to submit its report by December 31, 2025.

The Chief Minister has been authorized to recommend the names of the Commission’s Chairperson and members to the Governor. A senior IAS officer will be appointed as the Member Secretary. The Commission will be provided with the necessary offices, personnel, and budgetary support.

The Commission will review the financial position of Panchayats and Municipalities and recommend:

1. Revenue Sharing: Distribution of state-collected taxes, fees, and duties among local bodies.
2. Tax Assignments: Determining taxes, fees, and duties that can be levied by Panchayats and Municipalities.
3. Grants-in-Aid: Establishing principles for financial assistance to local bodies.
4. Financial Reforms: Recommending measures to strengthen local government finances.

The Commission will also consider recommendations from the Central Finance Commission. Population figures from the 2011 Census will serve as the basis for resource distribution.

Revenue Department

Land Allocation for Bridge Construction at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune

The Cabinet approved leasing 795 square meters of land at a nominal annual rent of ₹1 to the Deenanath Mangeshkar Foundation Hospital and Medical Research Center in Pune for constructing a bridge over a canal.

The hospital and research center, located in Erandwane, are separated by a canal from additional land acquired in Karvenagar. The bridge will facilitate movement for patients, their relatives, ambulances, hospital staff, and vehicles. The foundation will bear the construction cost of the bridge.

Public Works Department

Approval for Ropeway Projects in Maharashtra

The Cabinet approved the implementation of 45 ropeway projects across Maharashtra. These include 16 projects under the state government and 29 projects under the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML).

The government granted approval to lease land to NHLML for 30 years on a rental basis. Additionally, if the state government provides an equity share in some projects, it will receive a share in the project-generated revenue. Each project will be executed through a separate agreement and will be reviewed by the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee before final approval.