FCC

Sambhajinagar to Make 980 Villages Tanker-Free

2025-05-19

The district administration of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has unveiled a major initiative to make 968 villages and 12 wadis entirely tanker-free under the Jal Samruddha Gaon Abhiyan.

The campaign seeks to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to the district’s worsening water crisis, currently being managed through 263 water tankers. The scarcity has been caused by poor monsoon rainfall and declining groundwater levels across the region.

As part of the first phase, officials will conduct a detailed survey of the affected villages and examine over 191 wells to assess the potential for refilling them via rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. The initiative places strong emphasis on rooftop water harvesting across government, semi-government, and private buildings to boost water percolation and restore groundwater tables.

District authorities have confirmed that technical teams will receive training from 19 May to 24 June to implement these strategies. The sessions will focus on well and borewell recharge techniques, rooftop harvesting systems, and community engagement.

To ensure smooth execution, taluka-level committees will be formed under the leadership of block development officers, with representation from tehsildars, agriculture officers, deputy and junior engineers, and officials from the water supply department.

This mission forms part of the government’s wider strategy to reduce rural reliance on tanker supply and promote community-based water security solutions. District officials have expressed optimism, stating that the Jal Samruddha Gaon Abhiyan could serve as a model for other drought-prone regions across Maharashtra and beyond.

If successfully implemented, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar may soon be recognised as a pioneer in rural water management, transforming its tanker-dependent villages into self-reliant, water-secure communities.