Dry land year after year, women walking miles in search of water, and farmers staring at the sky... Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has once again rolled up his sleeves to wipe out the curse of drought that has marked Maharashtra's fate. "This battle against drought is not just about schemes. It is about the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers. So the entire administration must come together like one family and step into the field with dedication to stop every drop of rain," Fadnavis appealed to the administrative machinery in a deeply emotional yet firm tone.
The Water Cup campaign is starting early this year, and a high-level and sensitive meeting was held at Varsha, the Chief Minister's official residence, in this context. Fadnavis appeared deeply emotional but equally determined as he works day and night to make the state water-rich.
"I know my system, which works from dawn in times of crisis"
Addressing officials at the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed full faith in the administration's capability. "Whenever Maharashtra has faced a crisis, this same administration has come out on the roads from dawn and performed miracles. Drought is not just a natural calamity. It is a test of our sensitivity. If our machinery gets to work with enthusiasm and zeal, nothing is impossible. Take the lead on water conservation with the same commitment you showed earlier."
He gave clear instructions to work on the ground, not just prepare proposals on paper. All water conservation dams, nullahs and trenches must be ready before the first drop of rain falls on the land. Only when every drop seeps into the soil will the groundwater level rise and bring a smile to farmers' faces.
Strong combination of technology and public participation
A special action plan has been drawn up to combine the Chief Minister's sensitive approach with modern technology. To ensure transparency and close tracking of progress, he ordered the development of a technology-driven monitoring system. He insisted that collectors, chief executive officers and agriculture department officials go directly to the field and work shoulder to shoulder with voluntary organisations such as Paani Foundation.
"Let us turn despair into hope": actor Aamir Khan
Actor Aamir Khan, who has worked with the Chief Minister on this campaign from the start, also spoke emotionally. "This year is challenging, but we have to turn despair into hope. Extensive public awareness and farmer training campaigns will be run from January to May. Backing the Chief Minister's vision, every household in every village of Maharashtra must throw itself into this jalpujan," Khan said.
Ministers, officials and organisations were present at the meeting. Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal, ATE Chandra Foundation's Amit Chandra, Pani Foundation's Satyajit Bhatkal, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Vikaschandra Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary (Water Supply and Sanitation) Parag Jain-Nainutia, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Lokesh Chandra, Principal Secretary Dr Shrikar Pardeshi, Secretary (Soil and Water Conservation) Jitendra Papalkar and Principal Secretary (Water Resources) Eknath Dawale took part, along with all district collectors of the state through video conferencing.