₹1,300 Crore Water Supply Initiative Launched for Nagpur
Nagpur's water crisis may see relief through a ₹1,300 crore plan involving two major projects.
Maharashtra proposes a Kanhan-Kolar barrage and a water supply scheme worth ₹1,300 crore.
The projects aim to address water shortages in Nagpur and surrounding areas.
NMC plans to enhance water conservation efforts and reduce wastage.
On October 31, 2026, Maharashtra's Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced a significant initiative to tackle the water scarcity in Nagpur and its neighboring cities. The plan, estimated at ₹1,300 crore, includes two key projects aimed at ensuring a sustainable water supply for the region.
The first project involves the construction of a barrage on the Kanhan-Kolar river system, with an estimated cost of ₹900 crore. This barrage is expected to provide an additional water source to meet the increasing demand in Nagpur and surrounding urban areas. During a review meeting at Niyojan Bhavan, Bawankule emphasized the urgency of preparing a detailed proposal for this project and submitting it for state cabinet approval.
The second component of the initiative is a ₹400 crore water supply scheme proposed by the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA). This project aims to utilize an additional 35 million liters per day (MLD) of water allocated to Nagpur from the Pench reservoir. Bawankule instructed NMRDA to devise a plan to effectively harness this water for the benefit of neighboring cities.
In addition to these projects, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is implementing measures to enhance water conservation. NMC Commissioner Dr. Vipin outlined plans to reduce water losses by identifying leaks in the distribution network and promoting rainwater harvesting. The NMC also aims to recover 20 MLD of water daily by installing solar-powered dual pumping systems at 400 public wells, with an estimated cost of ₹16 crore.
Looking ahead, the NMC is set to facilitate the use of treated wastewater for non-essential purposes, such as watering gardens and trees, to conserve drinking water. The civic body is also taking action against establishments using municipal water for non-essential activities, such as car washing. With concerns over reduced rainfall and potential drought conditions, Bawankule has called for stricter enforcement of water conservation measures and restrictions on commercial water consumption to safeguard the city’s water resources.
