Rural water supply solar energy plan in Maharashtra to reduce electricity dues, says CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state will move rural water supply schemes to solar energy in phases. The plan aims to cut rising electricity dues linked to many projects. Officials said solarisation has been proposed for 22,185 water supply schemes across Maharashtra. Fadnavis said schemes should not stop running due to unpaid power bills.

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Fadnavis gave these directions while chairing a meeting on rural drinking water policy, officials said. The chief minister asked departments to draft a clear solarisation policy for water supply schemes. Fadnavis also sought a detailed roadmap through the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency to guide the shift.

Rural water supply schemes solar energy policy and power dues

Fadnavis noted that pending electricity bills for several water supply projects have been increasing. Fadnavis said the goal is to prevent interruptions caused by power payment issues. The chief minister directed officials to plan solar adoption in a phased way. Officials were asked to ensure each project keeps operating during the transition.

Rural water supply schemes solar energy norms for daily potable water

Fadnavis said rural water supply projects should follow the Centre’s norm for service levels. The norm is 55 litres of potable water per person per day. The chief minister said schemes should be implemented in line with this standard. Officials were told to keep this requirement central while planning upgrades.

Rural water supply schemes solar energy maintenance units and tariffs

Fadnavis directed the setup of maintenance units at the taluka level for all rural water supply schemes. Gram panchayats should take part in running these units, Fadnavis said. The chief minister added that maintenance costs should be covered through water tariff collections. The aim is to keep upkeep organised and predictable.

Rural water supply schemes solar energy support and repair agency panel

Fadnavis said local self-government bodies should provide funds where water charge recovery stays weak. Fadnavis also asked officials to create a panel of approved agencies for repair work. Gram sabhas should be allowed to choose agencies from the panel, Fadnavis said. Officials said this is meant to speed up repairs and improve oversight.

Officials said the proposed solarisation covers 22,185 rural water supply schemes across Maharashtra. The meeting directions included policy drafting, an agency-led roadmap, and local maintenance arrangements. Fadnavis also linked the work to the 55 litres daily water norm. The state expects these steps to reduce dues and keep schemes running.

With inputs from PTI