Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Directs Efforts for Special Central Funding for Marathwada Water Grid; Calls for Effective Implementation of ‘Har Ghar Jal’ in Rural Areas

Water Supply & Sanitation Department Review Meeting

Mumbai : Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed officials to ensure 100% household tap water connections under the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ scheme, providing clean and safe water to every village in Maharashtra. He emphasized that the Marathwada Water Grid Project is a crucial initiative to eliminate drought in the region and urged efforts to secure special central funding for its implementation.

The review meeting of the Water Supply and Sanitation Department was held at Sahyadri Guest House under the chairmanship of Deputy CM Shinde. Present at the meeting were Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Gulabrao Patil, Principal Secretary to the Deputy CM, Navin Sona, Principal Secretary of the Water Supply and Sanitation Department, Sanjay Khandare, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran Secretary, Abhishek Krishna, Director of Jal Jeevan Mission & Swachh Bharat Mission, E. Ravindran, and Commissioner of Groundwater Survey and Development Agency, Vijay Pakhmode.

Currently, under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 20,000 villages in the state are receiving direct tap water supply, benefiting around 8 million families. Deputy CM Shinde instructed officials to expedite efforts to ensure piped water supply to the remaining households.

Highlighting the importance of the Marathwada Water Grid Project in tackling the region’s persistent drought, he stressed the need for special financial support from the central government. He also discussed the project with Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, over a phone call.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of Phase 2 of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural). Deputy CM Shinde directed the department to focus on constructing public toilets along with individual household toilets in rural areas. He emphasized achieving the 100% tap water connection target under ‘Har Ghar Jal’ within the 100-day campaign and ensuring drinking water supply to all schools and Anganwadi centers.