Under the Maharashtra Suvarna Jayanti Nagrothan Maha Abhiyan, the Talegaon Dabhade Municipal Council has been granted a reservation of 5.014 million cubic metres of water from the Andra Dam for domestic and drinking purposes. This decision has been taken with a long-term perspective, keeping in mind the city’s growing population and water needs until 2048. It is expected to provide much-needed stability to the town’s water supply system. Although some water was earlier reserved from the Indrayani and Pavana rivers, the additional allocation comes as a major relief in view of rising demand and future requirements.
The approval is believed to have been strongly supported by MLA Sunil Shelke, whose persistent follow-ups played a key role in securing the decision. He repeatedly raised the issue at the government level and pushed for a sustainable solution to the town’s water concerns. His efforts have finally paid off, and the move is expected to significantly address the long-standing problem of water scarcity in Talegaon. Residents are likely to benefit from improved and more reliable water supply, especially as the town continues to expand and urbanise over the coming years.
However, the government has imposed certain terms and conditions along with the water reservation. Authorities will be required to complete necessary agreements for water usage, ensure a well-planned distribution system, and strictly follow measures for controlling water pollution. Compliance with the guidelines set by the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority will also be mandatory. Additionally, a provision has been made stating that if the actual lifting of water does not begin within the stipulated time, the approved reservation may be cancelled, making timely implementation crucial for the project’s continuation.