90% Water Conservation Structures Non-Functional: Bawankule
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Nagpur: Nearly 90% of water conservation structures in Nagpur and Amravati districts are non-functional, and restoring them is critical to address the deepening water crisis, said revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
Speaking at the Vidarbha Pani Parishad, Bawankule stressed the need for the immediate revival of thousands of dead water bodies and emphasised a strategic shift towards water recycling and zero discharge.
"There are 6,500 structures in Amravati and 3,500 in Nagpur, but most are not live. They have no proper plugs, water leaks from the sides, and they have not been maintained," he said. A plan is being rolled out to geo-tag each structure and allocate Rs2-4 lakh per bund for repairs, along with 500-metre deepening wherever needed.
Bawankule highlighted the alarming drop in groundwater levels — down to 800–850 feet in parts of Katol and Amravati — as a wake-up call. Misuse of power and water was also called out. "We're giving 12 hours of electricity but there's no water planning. One pump is sanctioned, but ten are being used. If we don't plan both power and water together, we'll hit 1,200 feet," he warned.
He also referred to the redirection of Pench water that was earlier wasted.
That supply is now routed to Mahagnco, freeing it up for agricultural use, while the Koradi power plant has transitioned to using treated wastewater supplied by NMC. "This is a working example of zero discharge — there is no option but to move forward with recycling," he said.
The comments came during the three-day Vidarbha Water Conference held at Vanamati Hall in collaboration with RTM Nagpur University's NSS Department and Jankalyankari Samiti.
Bawankule urged NSS volunteers to identify and help revive dead dams in their regions, calling it a crucial step towards sustainable water management.
A series of success stories were presented at the conference, including solar-powered irrigation from Muradpur, the Tamaswada water management model by Purti Jal Sinchchan Sanstha, and Shramdaan-led village transformation efforts in Washim. The event also featured case studies on artificial drainage for salt land improvement and the Sangli River Revitalisation Project.
"Water conservation is not just policy — it's participation. From recycling sewage to reviving old dams, every step matters," Bawankule said, reiterating that making Nagpur and Amravati model districts is the goal.
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