14 October,2026 09:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule during a high-level meeting at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai on Wednesday. PIC/X
The Maharashtra government has directed officials to restore defunct water supply schemes within 15 days and make water tankers the last resort in addressing drinking water shortages amid drought conditions. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has also called for special standard operating procedures (SOPs) for water management and fodder availability.
Bawankule, who chairs the Cabinet subcommittee on drought mitigation measures, issued the directives during a high-level meeting at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai on Wednesday. All 11 members of the subcommittee and senior administrative officials attended the meeting.
Reviewing the state's water supply situation, Bawankule directed district collectors to ensure that stalled and defunct water supply schemes are made operational within 15 days. The government will also issue a new government resolution under the Jal Jeevan Mission to facilitate the revival of these schemes.
The meeting noted that water supply schemes across the state have outstanding dues of around Rs 3,000 crore. Officials were asked to explore a one-time settlement scheme under which penalties and interest could be waived, while the principal amount would be paid in instalments.
The minister also directed officials to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to water projects and expedite the completion of schemes held up due to a lack of funds. The use of funds available under the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions was suggested to pay current electricity bills and keep water supply schemes operational.
The government has emphasised that water tankers should be deployed only after other options to ensure drinking water availability have been exhausted. Tanker deployment and planning will be handled through government departments, according to the decisions taken at the meeting.
Officials were also directed to review water levels in major reservoirs and lakes across Maharashtra. Around 450 distribution transformers at locations where electricity bills have been paid will be restored to operation on priority to support water supply.
To prevent fodder shortages amid drought conditions, district collectors have been instructed to prepare special SOPs and plans for fodder banks in coordination with the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry departments.
Districts with surplus fodder will supply it to neighbouring areas facing shortages. The government will also provide fodder seeds through a fund of Rs 62 crore, prioritising farmers with access to a reliable water supply to encourage fodder cultivation.
Government agencies will procure fodder at a guaranteed price, officials said during the meeting.
The subcommittee also discussed encouraging local farmers to cultivate fodder on exposed reservoir beds. Revenue department wasteland may be made available to women's self-help groups for fodder production.
The administration informed the meeting that the third phase of drought mitigation measures was being implemented across 305 talukas in Maharashtra.
Around 70 per cent of crop damage assessments have been completed so far. The remaining assessments are expected to be completed by October 31, after which the administration will have a clearer picture of the drought situation across the state.
Public representatives suggested using corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from large companies and funds available with District Planning and Development Committees (DPDCs) for drought mitigation.
Officials also discussed creating water bodies and developing water sources while undertaking road construction projects. The Revenue, Rural Development and Public Works departments will coordinate on water conservation and water scarcity-related works.
The measures are aimed at restoring drinking water supply, improving water management and ensuring fodder availability in drought-affected areas.
