Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has ordered discontinuation of water supply to Shri Shivnika Sansthan at Mirgaon (Sinnar, Nashik), linked to controversial godman Ashok Kharat, after reports revealed that 3.9 million litres per day meant for Marathwada was being diverted to the institution.
Kharat, currently under arrest in a sexual exploitation case, allegedly used political influence to secure water from the Godavari project reservoir at Darna dam. The allocation was recommended by the then Executive Director, approved by a ministerial committee, and formalised through a government resolution on July 31, 2020. Following a report on March 21, the minister sought the allocation file and ordered an inquiry into the decision. The Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation has initiated steps to disconnect the supply and is probing the basis of allocation, payment of water charges, and possible misuse of drinking water.