Nagpur, October 31, 2026: Nagpur and its surrounding cities could get a long-term solution to their growing water shortage through two proposed projects worth a combined ₹1,300 crore.
Maharashtra Revenue Minister and Nagpur District Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) and Water Resources Department to immediately prepare detailed proposals and submit them to the state government.
The proposed projects include the construction of a Kanhan-Kolar barrage at an estimated cost of ₹900 crore and a ₹400 crore water supply scheme by NMRDA to utilise the additional 35 MLD of water available to Nagpur from the Pench reservoir.
Bawankule issued the directions during a review meeting on Nagpur’s water supply situation held at Niyojan Bhavan on Saturday.
Kanhan-Kolar Barrage Proposed for Long-Term Water Security
During the meeting, Bawankule stressed the need for a sustainable water supply system to meet the rising demand in Nagpur and neighbouring urban areas.
He directed officials from NMC and the Water Resources Department to jointly prepare a proposal for constructing a barrage on the Kanhan-Kolar river system.
The project, estimated to cost ₹900 crore, is expected to provide Nagpur with an additional sustainable water source. Bawankule instructed officials to submit the proposal without delay so that it can be taken up for approval by the state Cabinet.
₹400 Crore Scheme to Utilise Additional Pench Water
The second proposal involves a ₹400 crore water supply project through NMRDA for neighbouring cities.
According to officials, around 35 million litres per day (MLD) of water allocated to Nagpur from the Pench reservoir remains available for utilisation. Bawankule directed NMRDA to prepare a scheme to ensure that this additional water can be effectively used to meet the requirements of surrounding urban areas.
NMC Plans to Recover 20 MLD Through Public Wells
During the meeting, NMC Commissioner Dr Vipin presented the city’s Water Conservation and Water Saving Campaign 2026.
As part of the initiative, the civic body plans to reduce water losses by identifying leakages in the distribution network and undertaking immediate repairs. Measures to promote rainwater harvesting are also being planned.
Nagpur has around 860 public wells. The NMC plans to install solar-powered dual pumping systems at 400 of these wells with assistance from the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA).
The project is estimated to cost ₹16 crore and is expected to generate an additional 20 MLD of water supply per day for the city.
Recycled Water to Be Used for Gardens and Roadside Trees
To reduce the use of drinking water for non-essential purposes, the NMC will facilitate the supply of treated wastewater through tanker facilities.
Hydrant points will be installed at the city’s 10 sewage treatment plants (STPs), enabling treated water to be transported for watering public gardens and roadside trees.
The civic administration has also surveyed 293 vehicle washing centres. Notices have been issued to 75 centres found using municipal tap water. These establishments have been instructed to shift to alternative water sources instead of using potable water.
The Commissioner also informed the meeting that action has been initiated against those using municipal drinking water for car washing.
Commercial Water Consumption to Face Restrictions
Expressing concern over the reduced rainfall and the possibility of drought-like conditions, Bawankule directed officials to ensure judicious use of water across the city.
He called for stricter enforcement of rainwater harvesting systems and directed the administration to introduce restrictions on water consumption for commercial activities.
He emphasised that water conservation must be treated as a priority to prevent unnecessary pressure on the city’s existing water resources.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Finance and Planning Ashish Jaiswal, Mayor Neeta Thakre, MP Maya Tai Ivnate, MLAs Rajiv Poddar, Sanjay Bhende, Krishna Khopde and Pravin Datke, Deputy Mayor Leela Hathibed, NMC Standing Committee Chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, ruling party leader Narendra (Balya) Borkar, NMC Commissioner Dr Vipin, NIT Chairman Sanjay Meena and senior officials from NMRDA and the Water Resources Department.
