Desilting of dams and the Jalyukt Shivar Scheme to receive top priority
Gram Panchayats Must Take the Initiative to Tackle Drought
Nagpur, November 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that villages coming forward to help address drinking water shortages and fodder requirements in rural areas will receive full government support. He also assured that suggestions put forward by sarpanches and issues related to water conservation would be taken up on priority.
Chief Minister Fadnavis interacted with representatives of local self-government institutions at Lohari Sawanga.
During the interaction, Latatai Bagde, sarpanch of Bhishnur village in Narkhed taluka, said it was her first meeting with the Chief Minister. She submitted a memorandum highlighting various issues concerning her village and made an unusual request: she asked the Chief Minister himself to acknowledge receipt of the memorandum on her copy.
It was an unprecedented instance of an elected representative of a local self-government body directly seeking an acknowledgement from the Chief Minister. Understanding the intention behind her request, Fadnavis instructed officials to provide her with the acknowledgement.
While highlighting the drinking water problems faced by her village, Bagde raised concerns about the improper installation of recharge shafts undertaken as part of water conservation initiatives. She also pointed out that gram panchayats were often not informed about various development works being carried out at the village level.
Emphasising the need to ensure quality in development projects, she expressed concern over the lack of proper coordination with gram panchayats and the appointment of a single contractor for multiple works.
Taking note of her concern and commitment towards village development, Chief Minister Fadnavis assured her that such issues would not be repeated in the future.
Bagde also demanded that works under the Atal Bhujal Yojana be completed on priority and that adequate funds be allocated for repairing defective or damaged works.
Against the backdrop of drought concerns, Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed satisfaction that elected representatives of local self-government institutions were actively taking responsibility for addressing challenges in their respective villages.
He appreciated their efforts to prioritise drinking water availability, fodder for livestock and water conservation initiatives, emphasising the important role of gram panchayats in strengthening rural resilience against drought.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government would extend full cooperation to villages taking proactive steps towards resolving water-related problems and improving rural infrastructure.
