Civic Bodies Told to Act Now to Meet Future Water Needs Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule directed municipal councils on Thursday to prioritize long-term water supply planning to address escalating water stress, warning that current systems are unprepared for future demand. Speaking at a district-level review meeting, the minister outlined a five-point development framework for newly elected municipal heads, with water supply and augmentation designated as central priorities. The directive comes amid growing concerns over declining rainfall, climate variability, and falling groundwater levels in regions like Vidarbha. Bawankule emphasized that these trends are "root causes of future water crises" and urged immediate action, including the protection and cleaning of local water bodies such as rivers and streams. The minister highlighted that many civic bodies lack the technical and engineering capacity to execute large-scale water projects, leading to inefficiencies. He noted that despite completing numerous schemes, adequate water supply has not been achieved, and called for such projects to be transferred to Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran for better execution and accountability. Bawankule also urged authorities to address leakages and prevent wastage by installing taps where absent, while strengthening supply networks in water-scarce areas. Municipal councils facing acute shortages were instructed to submit water reservation proposals within 10 days. The Kamptee MLA underscored the need for forward-looking planning, stating that all urban water blueprints must account for population growth over the next 25 years. "If planning reflects future realities, efficient and disciplined use of available water will follow," he remarked.#vidarbha #chandrashekhar_bawankule #maharashtra_revenue_minister #maharashtra_jeevan_pradhikaran #kamptee_mla
