CM Fadnavis Directs Timely Completion of Irrigation and Hydroelectric Projects Across Maharashtra

To accelerate the state’s development cycle, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed that ongoing irrigation and hydroelectric projects be completed in a time-bound manner. The state has granted administrative approval to 381 irrigation projects, which will bring 30.68 lakh hectares of land under irrigation. Additionally, 45 Udanchan Hydropower Projects are set to generate 62,125 MW of electricity and create over 96,000 jobs.

A high-level review meeting was held at Sahyadri Guest House, chaired by CM Fadnavis, to assess progress on administrative and revised administrative approvals for various projects under the Water Resources Department, as well as updates on MoUs signed under the Pumped Storage Policy. Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and Minister Girish Mahajan were also present.

CM Fadnavis emphasized the importance of irrigation projects in strengthening the agricultural economy. He noted that expanding the irrigation network will significantly improve the livelihood of farmers across Maharashtra. He further stressed that there should be no delays in implementing environmentally sustainable hydropower initiatives under the Udanchan projects.

Over the past two years, the government has approved or revised approvals for 185 irrigation project works, aimed at bringing 26.65 lakh hectares under irrigation. Furthermore, 196 works have been approved for special repairs, which are expected to add another 4.02 lakh hectares to the state’s irrigated area.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed under the Pumped Storage Policy with 15 private and public sector companies, amounting to an investment of ₹3,41,721 crore. These projects are expected to not only generate substantial renewable energy but also provide employment to 96,190 individuals.

Deepak Kapoor, Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department, delivered a presentation detailing the implementation status and irrigation capacity of the approved projects.

Key officials in attendance included Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Ashwini Bhide, Principal Secretary, Dr. Shrikar Pardeshi, Secretary, and Executive Directors of Vidarbha, Tapi, Konkan, Godavari, and Krishna Basin Development Corporations, along with senior officials from the Water Resources Department.