Rs 209-crore Wardha water supply scheme awaits approval, covers 14 villages

Population and water demand are rising in Wardha city and nearby villages. In view of this, the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran had prepared a new water supply scheme, but it has been put on hold for now. The proposal was sent to a senior level for approval in October 2025 and is still pending. There is as yet no clear picture on its sanction for the large scheme, which was designed around the city's water needs for the next 30 years.

The scheme covered Wardha city, Pipri (Meghe) and 14 other villages. The total proposed cost is Rs 209 crore 65 lakh 87 thousand. It planned for a new distribution pipeline 205 km long. Repairs to various works of the old regional water supply scheme were also to be carried out.

The scheme was drawn up because urbanisation in Wardha city is increasing, the number of educational institutions is growing, and water has to be supplied to a population of about 4.5 lakh over a long period. Its main aim was to meet water needs up to 2057 and avert a possible water crisis ahead.

Given the possibility that Wardha city limits may expand in future, instructions were issued to make some changes to the proposal. It is said that the necessary changes were made accordingly. But it is now learnt that the issue of extending the city limits itself has become an obstacle to sanction of the scheme. According to sources, some gram panchayats adjoining the city have opposed the extension of limits. For this reason, the question of final approval remains open, and there is uncertainty over when the scheme will move forward.

The proposed works include headworks at Yelakeli, that is, repair of the old headworks and construction of new headworks. At the Hanuman Tekdi water treatment plant area, the old plant was to be repaired and a new treatment plant of 29 MLD capacity built. In addition, 14 new water tanks are proposed, one tank of varying capacity in each of the 14 villages included. A new pipeline 205 km long was to be laid in the city and surrounding area. Repairs to the old regional water supply scheme and the necessary technical and supplementary works are also included.