New Delhi, May 27 The Ministry of Jal Shakti on Thursday held a high-level review meeting with the Maharashtra government to assess progress under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).
The meeting in New Delhi was chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers and senior Central and State officials.
Patil stressed that water conservation must become a people-led movement, highlighting Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari as a key initiative for groundwater recharge, source sustainability and long-term water security. He said that while dams and canals remain important, small and low-cost recharge structures, farm ponds and rainwater harvesting systems can deliver quick and visible results, especially in water-stressed areas.
The Minister underlined the need to link water conservation with Jal Jeevan Mission, stating that long-term drinking water security cannot rely on pipeline infrastructure alone. He also highlighted the social benefits of improved water availability, including reduced burden on women and lower health-related expenses.
Patil said Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, launched in September 2024, is progressing rapidly, and urged citizens, government employees and farmers to create at least one water conservation structure on their land with support from CSR, local bodies and community participation.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Maharashtra would address implementation gaps and strengthen support for drought-prone areas. He emphasised that water conservation must become a mass movement and highlighted river-linking projects as a long-term solution for water security.
Officials also reviewed progress under JJM 2.0, irrigation projects and water quality monitoring, with the Centre assuring continued financial and technical support for pending schemes and infrastructure development.
