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The Maharashtra government has announced plans to shift all rural water supply schemes to solar energy in a phased manner as part of efforts to reduce mounting electricity liabilities and ensure uninterrupted drinking water services. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed officials to formulate a comprehensive solarisation policy and prepare an implementation roadmap through the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency. The initiative covers 22,185 rural water supply schemes across the state and aligns with the Centre’s drinking water supply norms. The government has also proposed strengthening maintenance mechanisms through taluka-level units, greater participation of gram panchayats and improved cost recovery through water tariffs. The move is aimed at enhancing the long-term sustainability and operational efficiency of rural water infrastructure across Maharashtra.
The Maharashtra government will gradually transition all rural water supply schemes to solar energy as part of a statewide initiative to reduce electricity-related liabilities and improve the long-term sustainability of drinking water infrastructure, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Friday.
The decision was taken during a meeting on the state's rural drinking water policy, where the chief minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive solarisation policy for rural water supply projects. According to an official statement, the policy will be supported by a detailed implementation roadmap to be developed through the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA).
Fadnavis noted that electricity dues associated with several rural water supply schemes have continued to increase, creating operational challenges for local authorities. He emphasised that no drinking water project should be forced to cease operations due to unpaid electricity bills and stated that transitioning to solar power would help address this issue while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
Officials informed the meeting that the government has proposed the solarisation of 22,185 rural water supply schemes across Maharashtra. The initiative is expected to reduce operating costs and improve the financial viability of water infrastructure serving villages throughout the state.
The chief minister also directed that all rural water supply projects should be planned and implemented in accordance with the Central government's prescribed norm of supplying 55 litres of potable water per person per day. He stressed the importance of ensuring that infrastructure development keeps pace with service delivery requirements and population needs.
Alongside the solarisation programme, the government plans to strengthen the maintenance framework for rural water infrastructure. Fadnavis instructed officials to establish dedicated maintenance units at the taluka level for all rural water supply schemes. These units are expected to oversee upkeep and operational efficiency while ensuring quicker response to technical issues.
Gram panchayats will be integrated into the functioning of these maintenance units to strengthen local participation and oversight. The chief minister stated that maintenance expenditure should primarily be funded through the collection of water user charges.
In areas where recovery of water tariffs remains insufficient, local self-government institutions will be expected to provide financial support to ensure uninterrupted operation and maintenance of water supply systems. The approach is intended to create a more sustainable funding mechanism for rural infrastructure management.
To improve repair and maintenance processes, Fadnavis also directed officials to prepare a panel of approved agencies qualified to undertake repair works. Gram sabhas would be authorised to appoint service providers from the approved list, enabling local communities to participate more actively in managing essential infrastructure.
The proposed solarisation programme, combined with institutional and operational reforms, forms part of Maharashtra’s broader effort to improve the reliability, efficiency and sustainability of rural drinking water services while reducing the financial burden associated with electricity consumption.
Source - PTI
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