Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed for the speedy completion of water conservation projects and initiatives under the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0 due to concerns over the El Nino threat. Fadnavis stressed the need to focus on areas with declining groundwater levels and take active steps to replenish them. These directives were issued during a meeting to assess the progress of the Soil and Water Conservation Department’s efforts.
Fadnavis highlighted the critical importance of raising groundwater levels in light of the El Nino phenomenon. He emphasized the necessity of setting clear priorities for water conservation activities and ensuring the timely execution of Jalyukt Shivar projects. The Chief Minister mandated that state-level plans for Jalyukt Shivar should be finalized by May 15, with revised strategies promptly shared with districts to expedite the process.
In addition to the designated villages, Fadnavis proposed that an extra 10% of work in adjacent regions should be undertaken based on urgency. To prevent re-clogging of desilted streams, he recommended the plantation of bamboo along stream banks. Repair work on Malgujari tanks in Vidarbha is slated for completion by June, with plans to secure increased funding under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana through discussions with Union Ministers.
