DPR for floodwater diversion to be ready in 6 months: MLA Patil

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the WRD officials to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) within six months for the project aimed at diverting excess floodwater from western Maharashtra to drought-prone regions of Marathwada, Tuljapur MLA Ranajagjitsinh Patil said on Friday.The project proposes to channel around 50 to 55 TMC of floodwater from Kolhapur and Sangli districts to Dharashiv, Solapur, Latur and parts of Pune district. The directive comes after a feasibility report prepared for the project returned positive, paving way for detailed planning and execution.Patil, who is also vice-chairman of Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), said the project will involve construction of a 90-km-long tunnel to divert water that currently flows into the sea during floods. The water resources department (WRD) has been tasked with preparing and submitting the DPR to the state government within six months. The project is estimated to cost around Rs16,000 crore, with Rs2,400 crore already provided for in the state budget.The project will be implemented through MITRA with assistance from the World Bank. A feasibility study was conducted by a Delhi-based firm, acting as a technical consultant to the World Bank.Patil had recently visited Delhi to review the progress of the study before the CM issued directions for the DPR. WRD officials said the project is designed to address two major issues simultaneously — frequent flooding in Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara districts, and recurring drought conditions in Dharashiv and nearby regions. "By diverting surplus water, the plan aims to reduce flood intensity in western Maharashtra while ensuring water availability in Marathwada," an official said. The project will also help secure Marathwada's share of 23.6 TMC of water, a demand strongly pursued by former minister Padmasinh Patil.