Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, 17 September 2026, pledged to permanently eliminate drought from the Marathwada region, announcing a plan to divert 70 TMC of water from the Ulhas basin to the Godavari basin through a phased river-linking programme over the next seven years. The announcement came during his address at the Marathwada Mukti Sangram Day ceremony held at the Martyr's Memorial in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The River-Linking Plan

Fadnavis confirmed that work is already underway on the Ulhas-to-Godavari diversion project. "While this generation has endured severe drought, we will ensure the next generation does not. We aim to transfer this water to the Godavari basin in phases over the next seven years," he said at the gathering.

Separately, approximately 30 TMC of additional water from the Krishna basin is being diverted to Marathwada following World Bank approval, with tenders currently being issued. Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for river-linking initiatives to lift water from the Konkan region to the deficit Godavari basin are described as being in their final stages, incorporating what officials termed unique engineering designs.

Immediate Drought Relief for Farmers

Acknowledging that 2026 has again brought drought-like conditions to Marathwada — with a prolonged dry spell severely damaging agricultural yield after initially promising crop forecasts — Fadnavis assured the farming community of state support. "I assure farmers that our government will not abandon you under any circumstances. We stand firmly behind you and will provide all necessary assistance," he said.

Crop damage assessments (panchanamas) are scheduled to commence after 5 October. The state government indicated it would extend its own aid to farmers ahead of the formal National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) disbursements. Pre-emptive fodder cultivation under the Fodder Development Programme has also been initiated to address potential feed shortages.

₹48,000 Crore Electricity Bill Waiver

In a major relief measure, Fadnavis announced the cancellation of ₹48,000 crore in outstanding agricultural electricity dues. "We previously decided to provide free electricity to farmers, and now the state government has decided to waive their past dues of ₹48,000 crore so they face no further hardship," he stated. The move is expected to benefit a large number of farmers across the region who had accumulated arrears.

Infrastructure and Debt Relief Measures

The chief minister also highlighted progress on the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar water supply project, which he said is in its final stages and will soon guarantee daily drinking water for the city. He pointed to major investments flowing into the region, backed by infrastructure upgrades and the ongoing development of the Jalna Dry Port.

On farm credit, Fadnavis noted that farmers are benefiting from the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Debt Waiver Scheme, with the remaining beneficiary lists to be released shortly.

Marathwada Mukti Sangram Day: Historical Significance

The occasion marks the anniversary of Marathwada's liberation on 17 September 1948 — a full 13 months after India's Independence — when the region was freed from the Nizam of Hyderabad's rule and the Indian tricolour was hoisted. Fadnavis paid tribute to freedom fighters and credited Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with mounting the decisive effort to liberate the region. He also noted that 17 September 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

At a parallel event in Beed, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar described the Marathwada liberation movement as "the second freedom struggle" and noted that Beed district served as its epicentre. She cited the leadership of Swami Ramanand Teerth and acknowledged the personal connection of her father, Bajirao Patil, to the movement.

With tenders being issued and DPRs nearing completion, the coming months will test whether the long-promised water security for Marathwada moves from political commitment to engineering reality.