The Maharashtra Government has extended the time limit up to November 15, 2021 for the study group formed for the finalization of norms and priority of Intra State River Links/diversion schemes and preparation of report of proposed river diversion schemes to divert water from river basins to Marathwada region or any other water deficit region/basin. The government earlier had given a time period up to March 31, 2021 but the study group has yet to complete its study and finalise the report.
The study group, which was formed in November 2020, is currently engaged in the preparation of a report on the formula for the principle of allocation of funds in the irrigation sector and formulate a strategy for diversion of water to the Marathwada region from various basins by considering the water available in these basins.
The task group is currently assessing how much water is available on which basis and how much it can be diverted from which basin. The task group’s mandate is also to craft a plan for interlinking of rivers and water diversion schemes in a step by step manner and finalise the criteria to be followed for construction of water diversion schemes.
A senior irrigation department officer said the state government plans to harness the rainwater from Sahyadri mountains that flows towards Arabian Sea.
