Maharashtra: In a major relief to residents facing frequent water shortages, the Maharashtra government’s Water Resources Department has approved additional water reservations for the city under the Maharashtra Suvarna Jayanti Nagarotthan Mahabhiyan scheme. This approval will allow the Shahapur Municipal Council to draw 1.002 million cubic meters of water from the Bhatsa River to strengthen its water supply system.
Doubling the Supply
According to a government resolution issued on March 5, 2026, this additional reservation will support the city’s larger water supply scheme, which aims to meet the growing demand for drinking water. Previously, the municipal council had an allocation of 1.186 million cubic meters of water, which it continues to use.
This approval follows continued follow-up with local representatives. MLA Kisan Kathore reportedly expedited the long-pending proposal by personally coordinating with Water Resources Secretary Deepak Kapoor and Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, ensuring the file was approved within 24 hours.
Persistent efforts by local leaders bore fruit
Shahapur Deputy Chairperson Vijay Bhagat and Corporator Haresh Pashte, who also heads the Municipal Construction Committee, repeatedly raised the issue with the state government and the local MLA. The Municipal Council and other elected representatives also expressed their support for the proposal’s approval.
Officials stated that the decision was made in light of the city’s growing population, urban expansion, and projected water needs until 2054. This additional reservation is expected to significantly improve drinking water availability and assist the civic body in formulating a long-term water management plan.
Conditions Attached to the Approval
However, the government has attached certain conditions to the approval. The civic body must enter into necessary agreements for water use, comply with water tax regulations, and maintain drinking water quality standards. Officials have also clarified that if actual water supply from the reserve quota does not begin within five years, the approval will automatically expire.
Local representatives have welcomed this decision, calling it an important step toward meeting Shahpur’s long-standing drinking water needs and improving the city’s overall water supply infrastructure.
