Marathwada drought: Maharashtra to divert 70 TMC water from Ulhas to Godavari basin over 7 years

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday reiterated the state governmentrsquos commitment to permanently address the recurring drought problem in Marathwada announcing a plan to divert 70 TMC of water from the Ulhas basin to the Godavari basin in phases over the next seven yearsSpeaking at an event marking Marathwada Mukti Sangram Day after hoisting the national flag at the Martyrs Memorial Fadnavis also assured farmers that the government would provide assistance in view of the prolonged dry spell affecting the regionWork is underway to divert 70 TMC of water from the Ulhas basin into the Godavari basin While this generation has endured severe drought we will ensure the next generation does not We aim to transfer this water to the Godavari basin in phases over the next seven yearsRiverlinking and water projectsFadnavis said another 30 TMC of water from the Krishna basin was being diverted to Marathwada following World Bank approval with tenders being issued He added that DPRs for projects to lift water from the Konkan region to the waterdeficit Godavari basin were nearing completionAbout 30 TMC of additional water from the Krishna basin is being diverted to Marathwada following World Bank approval with tenders currently being issued Detailed Project Reports DPR for riverlinking projects to lift water from the Konkan region to the deficit Godavari basin are in the final stages utilising unique engineering designsrdquo Fadnavis saidHe said the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar water supply project was in its final stages and would soon provide daily drinking water to the city He also highlighted infrastructure development and the ongoing Jalna Dry Port projectRelief for farmersThe CM said beneficiaries of the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Debt Waiver Scheme would receive relief with the remaining beneficiary lists to be released soonFarmers are benefiting from the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Debt Waiver Scheme with remaining beneficiary lists to be released soon Fadnavis saidHe said prolonged lack of rainfall had damaged crops and assured farmers of government supportMarathwada faces constant struggle particularly against recurring droughts This year has again brought drought conditions Although initial expectations for crops were positive a long spell without rain severely damaged agricultural yield I assure farmers that our government will not abandon you under any circumstances We stand firmly behind you and will provide all necessary assistance he saidCrop damage assessments will begin after October 5 he said adding that state assistance would reach farmers before NDRF aid Measures were also being taken to prepare for possible drinking water and fodder shortagesRs 48000 crore power bill waiverFadnavis announced that outstanding agricultural electricity bills worth Rs 48000 crore would be waivedWe previously decided to provide free electricity to farmers and now the state government has decided to waive their past dues of Rs 48000 crore so they face no further hardship Fadnavis saidHe also recalled Marathwadarsquos liberation struggle and paid tribute to those who fought for the regionrsquos freedomAt a separate event in Beed Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar spoke about the historical significance of the movement and said the struggle was personally connected to her familyMarathwada Liberation was the second freedom struggle for the rest of the country Beed district served as the epicentre of this struggle Swami Ramanand Teerth led the movement capably For me this history is personal as my father Bajirao Patil actively participated in the liberation struggle she saidSunetra Pawar also extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra ModiWith inputs from IANS