Somewhere in Maharashtra....

A government project aimed at mitigating Maharashtra’s water crisis has become virtually turned into a mass movement with residents of over 6,000 villages contributing nearly Rs.200 crore to the effort. It is a project that has won the grudging appreciation of the opposition Congress, led to proprietary claims from the NCP and seen the participation of a smaller opposition party, Peasants and Workers Party. The government, for its part, has been publicising the project online.
Jalyukta Shivar Yojana aims to make 25,000 villages drought-free in phases with the help of low-budget, water conservation projects ranging from Rs.20,000 to Rs.20 crore. Of 40,000 villages in Maharashtra, 25,000 have been hit by drought for three consecutive years. Launched by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis four months ago, the project has so far seen 93,447 water conservation works completed in 6,202 villages in the divisions of Nashik, Amaravati, Nagpur, Pune, Konkan and Aurangabad. Its standout feature is the contributions from the public. “The overwhelming response along with their enthusiasm for the work is an eye-opener for the government. People in the villages have started taking up the projects in terms of physical support and also raising funds,” Fadnavis said.
In Hogti of South Solapur, for instance, villagers with district officials took up the construction of a small cement canal and raised Rs.39 lakh in a few days. The project has helped irrigate 500 hectares. In Karanja of Washim, Mahesh Patil said, “ The severity of drought and hailstorms has united the people. It does not require huge funds; it is within the reach of the people.” And in Satara, fruit cultivator Prakash Kachre said, “We will build our own assets, so what’s the harm in lending support?” Water conservation expert Rajendra Singh is among those who have appreciated the effort. “The government has begun the good initiative of small projects, but they should ensure the ongoing water conservation works remain people-driven and are not dominated by contractors in coming years.” A water conservation official said the projects are being customised to local needs. “Each area has its own problems, so we cannot suggest the same work. The work can involve desilting of soil, deepening and widening of rivers and tributaries, digging new ponds, or construction of small cement nullas, bunds and canals.” At some places, abandoned structures are being revived. From the opposition, Ganpatrao Deshmukh of the Peasants and Workers Party is leading the work in Sangola taluka, perennially affected by drought. “The people are no longer leaving it to the administration to tackle drought. This is heartening and also result-oriented,” he said.