Increase Water Storage Capacity by Converting Kolhapur-Type Dams into Barrages – Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s Instructions

Mumbai : Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has directed to increase the capacity of existing projects to ensure sufficient water availability for drinking and irrigation. He emphasized the need to transfer excess water between projects using natural resources to significantly boost the irrigation sector. He specifically instructed that steps be taken to increase water storage capacity by converting Kolhapur-type dams into barrages where necessary.

A meeting was held under Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s chairmanship to discuss financial and other issues related to various pending water resources schemes in Solapur, Kolhapur, Hingoli, and Beed districts. The meeting was attended by several MLAs, former MLAs, additional chief secretaries, and other senior officials. During the meeting, Pawar highlighted the need for funds to repair various irrigation projects, noting that some medium irrigation projects are not operating at full capacity, leading to water shortages in summer. He directed the Water Resources Department to coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure the availability of drinking water during the summer.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also addressed the water problem in the eastern part of Gadhinglaj taluka, stressing the importance of completing the Kitwade project as an inter-state project with Karnataka. He mentioned that increasing storage capacity would benefit both regions. Additionally, he discussed converting old Kolhapur barrages on the Bhima-Seena river in Solapur district into modern barrages, and emphasized the need for technical approvals and expedited action for several new barrage works. He also suggested preparing cost budgets for special repairs and utilizing NABARD funds to complete small projects on priority.