Eknath Shinde directs speedy implementation of Har Ghar Jal scheme

Maharashtra Deputy CM accelerates Har Ghar Jal scheme, secures funds for Marathwada Water Grid to ensure clean water access.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has instructed officials to accelerate the implementation of the Har Ghar Jal scheme to ensure clean and safe drinking water reaches every household across the State. He also stressed securing special central funds for the ambitious Marathwada Water Grid project, which aims to mitigate the region’s recurring drought crisis.

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Chairing a review meeting of the Water Supply and Sanitation Department at Sahyadri Guest House, Mr. Shinde stressed the importance of providing sustainable sanitation facilities alongside drinking water access. The meeting was attended by Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Gulabrao Raghunath Patil, Principal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister Naveen Sona, and other senior officials.

Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the State has already provided direct tap water connections to 20,000 households, benefiting approximately 80 lakh families. Mr. Shinde directed officials to expedite efforts to cover the remaining households, setting a 100-day target for full tap water coverage.

Highlighting the significance of the Marathwada Water Grid project, Mr. Shinde said the initiative is crucial to addressing the persistent drought situation in Marathwada. He urged officials to pursue special financial assistance from the Union government and discussed the matter with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil over a phone call during the meeting.

The meeting also reviewed the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), with the Deputy CM instructing officials to prioritize the construction of individual and public toilets in rural areas. He stressed achieving 100% tap water connections in schools and anganwadis to ensure children’s access to clean drinking water.

The directives reinforce the State government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation, while the Marathwada Water Grid project is expected to bring long-term relief to the drought-prone region.