The Maharashtra government is preparing a new statewide scheme for river and canal deepening works, with revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule directing officials to immediately draft a standard operating procedure (SOP) for projects in Nagpur and Amravati divisions.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at Mantralaya on Tuesday to review delays and operational hurdles in desilting and deepening works across several rivers and canals in eastern Maharashtra.
The move assumes significance as several districts in Vidarbha continue to face recurring water stress during summers and flooding during intense monsoon spells, prompting demands for long-term watershed and river restoration measures.
Bawankule said the government was also considering granting wider administrative powers to district collectors to accelerate implementation and reduce procedural delays caused by multiple departmental approvals.
The meeting was attended by water conservation minister Sanjay Rathod, minister of state for relief and rehabilitation Ashish Jaiswal, additional chief secretary (revenue) Vikas Kharge and senior officials. As per officials, increased silt accumulation in rivers and canals across Nagpur and Amravati divisions has disrupted natural water flow, reduced storage capacity and adversely affected groundwater recharge, irrigation systems and flood management during monsoon seasons.
The proposed SOP is expected to streamline approvals, clarify operational responsibilities and ensure time-bound execution of desilting works, according to officials. The government also reviewed existing rules governing excavation and disposal of silt, along with local-level administrative bottlenecks slowing implementation.
“The deepening of rivers and canals is crucial from the perspective of water conservation, groundwater recharge and flood control,” Bawankule said at the meeting.
He added that the government would soon introduce “a separate new scheme” dedicated to canal and river deepening works across the state.
“If district collectors are given the required powers, these works can be completed more effectively and at a faster pace,” Bawankule said.
