Chief Minister stresses effective planning of water conservation works and technology-driven monitoring
Mumbai, October 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed all government departments to work in coordination, with systematic planning and speed, to permanently address drought conditions in the state. Emphasising the principle of “Catch the water where it falls”, he called for effective implementation of water conservation measures to retain every possible drop of rainwater.
The Chief Minister also instructed the administrative machinery to actively support initiatives undertaken by the Paani Foundation and other voluntary organisations. District collectors, chief executive officers and field-level officials must coordinate their efforts to accelerate the campaign, he said.
Fadnavis was speaking at a meeting on water conservation held at his official residence, Varsha, against the backdrop of the Water Cup campaign being launched earlier this year.
Integrated Action Plan for Water Conservation
The Chief Minister said all departments must make coordinated efforts to overcome the challenge of drought. He recalled that district collectors, chief executive officers, Agriculture Department officials and field-level personnel had demonstrated strong leadership and efficiency while implementing various government programmes.
Experience had shown that administrative work gained momentum when officials responded to difficult situations with enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility, he said.
Fadnavis noted that government machinery across Maharashtra had previously demonstrated its commitment by beginning work early in the morning. He called for the same level of dedication and initiative in implementing water conservation measures.
He directed officials to prepare an integrated action plan based on the strategies finalised during the meeting. Along with establishing an effective administrative mechanism for implementation, the government should develop a technology-based monitoring system to track the progress of water conservation projects.
The work undertaken by different departments must be integrated and implemented through mutual coordination, he said, adding that all concerned agencies should participate actively to ensure that projects are not delayed.
Water Conservation Structures Must Be Ready Before the Rains
Fadnavis stressed that water conservation efforts must go beyond planning on paper and deliver tangible results on the ground.
He directed officials to plan and execute projects in such a way that water conservation structures are ready to capture rainwater as soon as the first showers arrive. These measures should help improve groundwater levels and strengthen water availability in villages.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that sustained and coordinated efforts would enable the state to take concrete steps towards making villages drought-free and provide substantial relief to residents.
He also appealed to all government officials and implementing agencies to participate collectively in the campaign and prepare for the major challenge of tackling drought across Maharashtra.
Public Participation Essential for Water Conservation: Aamir Khan
Actor Aamir Khan, who attended the meeting, emphasised the need to increase public participation in water conservation initiatives.
He said water conservation activities should be undertaken consistently from the coming summer onwards. Between January and May, training programmes and public awareness initiatives would be organised for farmers to accelerate conservation work before the monsoon.
Although the current year would present challenges, it was important to transform disappointment into hope and generate positive energy among people, Khan said.
He stressed the importance of water reuse, groundwater recharge and the conservation of water resources. He also called for every household in every village across Maharashtra to participate in water conservation efforts.
The campaign, he said, would require sustained public involvement alongside government action to achieve meaningful and lasting results.
Senior Officials and Foundation Representatives Attend
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal; Amit Chandra of the A.T.E. Chandra Foundation; Satyajit Bhatkal of the Paani Foundation; and actor Aamir Khan.
Senior government officials present included Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department Vikas Chandra Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Supply and Sanitation Department Parag Jain-Nainutia, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Lokesh Chandra, Principal Secretary Dr Shrikar Pardeshi, Secretary of the Soil and Water Conservation Department Jitendra Papalkar, and Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Eknath Dawale.
Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department N. Ramaswamy and district collectors from across Maharashtra participated in the meeting through video conferencing.
The state government has called for coordinated administrative action, technology-based monitoring and greater community participation to strengthen water conservation efforts and move Maharashtra towards long-term drought resilience.
