To ensure regular maintenance and timely repairs of irrigation projects across the state and to prevent delays due to lack of funds, a decision was taken today in a meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to promptly release ₹1,161 crore pending with various state departments towards irrigation and non-irrigation water cess to the Water Resources Department.

Out of the total ₹7,661 crore pending with departments such as Energy, Industries, Cooperation, Urban Development, Rural Development, and Water Supply and Sanitation, a joint report detailing department-wise principal arrears, interest, and penalties must be submitted by the Water Resources Department and the respective departments to the government by June 25. A final decision on releasing the funds will be taken after a discussion involving the Chief Minister, both Deputy Chief Ministers, the respective ministers, and the Finance and Planning Departments, said Ajit Pawar during the meeting.

The meeting, held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, was attended by Water Resources Minister (Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation) Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and other senior officers.

Ajit Pawar instructed both the Water Resources Department and the concerned departments to submit the detailed data jointly by June 25. Based on the submission, an appropriate decision regarding disbursal of the outstanding amount will be taken, he stated during the meeting.