Maharashtra Water Crisis: 15-Day Deadline to Restart Failed Water Supply Schemes

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed officials to restart defunct piped water supply schemes within 15 days, making water tankers the last resort in tackling drought conditions across the state. He also called for urgent preparation of special Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for water management and fodder shortages.
The directives were issued during a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Drought Mitigation Measures, chaired by Bawankule at Sahyadri Guest House on Wednesday, October 14. Eleven ministers who are members of the sub-committee, along with senior administrative officials, attended the meeting.
Bawankule reviewed the state's water situation and highlighted the need to restore stalled water supply schemes before resorting to tanker-based distribution. The state has outstanding dues of approximately Rs 3,000 crore related to water supply schemes. He suggested introducing a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme under which penalties and interest would be waived, while the principal amount could be paid in instalments.
He also directed officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and expedite schemes that have completed 75 per cent of their work but remain unfinished due to a lack of funds for the remaining 25 per cent. District collectors have been explicitly instructed to make these schemes operational within the next 15 days.
Officials were also directed to plan the payment of current electricity bills using funds from the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions to support the continued operation of water supply schemes.
Fodder Banks and SOPs to Address Shortages
To prevent fodder shortages across Maharashtra, district collectors have been instructed to establish fodder banks in coordination with the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry departments and prepare an SOP for fodder management.
Fodder will be supplied to neighbouring drought-affected districts from areas where surplus fodder is available. The meeting was also informed that fodder seeds would be distributed using a fund of Rs 68 crore. Farmers with access to sustainable water sources will receive seeds to encourage fodder production.
In addition, fodder will be procured at guaranteed prices through government agencies. These measures are intended to strengthen fodder availability and improve planning in areas facing potential shortages.
Drought Data to Be Compiled by October 31
The third phase of drought mitigation measures is currently being implemented in 305 talukas across Maharashtra. The administration stated that all relevant data would be compiled by October 31, after which a comprehensive and clear picture of the state's drought situation would emerge the following week.
During the meeting, various public representatives also put forward proposals to strengthen drought relief efforts. They called for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from large companies, along with funds from the District Planning and Development Committee (DPC), to be utilised for drought mitigation.
Another proposal called for water storage facilities, including storage ponds and other water sources, to be developed alongside road construction projects. It was also decided that vacant and fallow land belonging to the Revenue Department would be made available to women's self-help groups for fodder cultivation.
The measures outlined at the meeting focus on restoring stalled water infrastructure, managing electricity dues, strengthening fodder supplies and mobilising additional resources as Maharashtra assesses the extent of its drought conditions.