Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0 (Drought-Free Maharashtra)
₹4,227 crore for 1.5 lakh water conservation works in 5,000+ drought-prone villages — stream deepening, farm ponds, nala restoration and groundwater recharge to make Maharashtra drought-free.
Run by: Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Government of Maharashtra
- Total outlay
- ₹4,227 crore
- Works sanctioned
- 1.44 lakh+
- Works completed
- 1.10 lakh+
- Villages covered
- 5,000+ (initial phase)
- Districts
- 24 districts, 87 talukas
- Water conserved
- 16,716 million litres (total)
Overview
Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0 is the second phase of Maharashtra's flagship water conservation programme, revived by CM Devendra Fadnavis after the original Jalyukt Shivar (2016-2019) was discontinued under the MVA government. The Maharashtra cabinet approved its resumption, and the scheme now targets villages not covered in Phase 1 as well as Phase 1 villages that still need more water infrastructure.
The programme's scope is massive: approximately 1.5 lakh individual water conservation works costing ₹4,227 crore, to be completed across 5,000+ villages initially. Works include stream deepening and widening, building check dams, restoring nullahs and drainage channels, digging farm ponds, desilting reservoirs, and strengthening groundwater recharge structures. The scheme targets 24 districts and 87 talukas across Maharashtra's drought-prone belt.
As of mid-2026, over 1.44 lakh works have been sanctioned, of which more than 1.10 lakh are already complete. The programme has removed over 2.9 crore cubic metres of silt from rivers including the Gharni, Tavarja, Jana and Mudgul. Since the combined Phase 1 and 2 timeline, the project has helped conserve approximately 16,716 million litres of water and benefited over 12.38 lakh people across participating communities.
The Department of Soil and Water Conservation also signed an MOU with Art of Living Foundation (November 2023) for community-driven implementation. The programme operates alongside a ₹5,036 crore canal distribution system improvement allocation, together forming Maharashtra's comprehensive water security strategy for agriculture.
What you get
The benefit as the state notifies it — nothing here is an estimate.
- Stream deepening, widening and desilting to restore flow capacity and increase surface water storage.
- Farm pond construction for individual farm-level water security — critical for Rabi and summer crops.
- Check dams and nala bunding to slow runoff and recharge groundwater in drought-prone talukas.
- Reservoir and percolation tank desilting to restore water storage capacity lost to silt accumulation.
- Drainage channel restoration across 24 districts and 87 talukas — targeting the network of nalas criss-crossing Maharashtra.
- Community participation model with government funding — people's involvement in planning, execution and maintenance.
Who is eligible
State schemes usually state their criteria as prose rather than a checklist. This is that prose, unpacked — the department’s verification is what decides.
You qualify if
- Villages in the notified drought-prone belt of Maharashtra (24 districts, 87 talukas)
- Villages not covered in Jalyukt Shivar Phase 1, or Phase 1 villages still needing additional water works
- Small and marginal farmers, rural households dependent on agriculture, livestock farmers and agricultural labourers benefit directly
- Gram panchayat participation and community contribution are part of the implementation model
Not covered
- Villages already fully covered under Phase 1 with no remaining water deficit
- Areas outside the notified drought-prone districts/talukas
Documents you need
Have these ready before you start — most rejections are a missing paper, not a missing right.
- Village-level proposal through the gram panchayat
- Land records of beneficiary farmers (for individual farm-pond component)
- Aadhaar card and bank account details (where individual benefit applies)
How to apply
Fewer steps than a central scheme, and usually one office rather than a portal.
- 1
Village selection and planning
The district Soil and Water Conservation Department identifies eligible villages based on water scarcity data and Phase 1 coverage gaps. The gram panchayat participates in planning the specific works needed.
- 2
Work sanction and tendering
Works are sanctioned at the district level — stream deepening, check dams, farm ponds, desilting or drainage restoration as needed. Tenders are issued for larger works; smaller works involve community participation.
- 3
Execution with community involvement
Works are carried out with a mix of government contractors and community labour. The gram panchayat monitors progress and ensures local priorities are addressed.
- 4
Completion and handover
Completed structures are inspected and handed over to the village or the relevant water management body for ongoing maintenance.
If something goes wrong
Missing from the list, or payment stuck — here is the channel the department itself publishes for it.
- For delayed or incomplete works, contact the taluka-level Soil and Water Conservation Officer or the district Collector's office.
- For escalation, use Maharashtra Aaple Sarkar Grievance Redressal — file online at grievances.maharashtra.gov.in or call the CM Helpline at 1800 120 8040 (8 am – 8 pm).
Frequently asked questions
What is Jalyukt Shivar 2.0?
It is the second phase of Maharashtra's flagship water conservation programme. Phase 1 (2016-2019) covered 22,000 villages; Phase 2 targets 5,000+ additional villages and Phase 1 villages needing more work, with a ₹4,227 crore budget.
What kind of works are done?
Stream deepening and widening, check dam construction, nala restoration, farm pond digging, reservoir desilting and groundwater recharge structures.
Which districts are covered?
24 districts and 87 talukas in Maharashtra's drought-prone belt. The district Soil and Water Conservation Department selects specific villages.
Can individual farmers get a farm pond?
Yes. The farm-pond component supports individual farmers with water storage on their own land. Apply through the gram panchayat or district agriculture office.
How much water has been conserved so far?
Across both phases, approximately 16,716 million litres of water have been conserved. Over 2.9 crore cubic metres of silt have been removed from rivers and streams.
How many works are complete?
As of mid-2026, over 1.44 lakh works have been sanctioned and more than 1.10 lakh are already completed. The remaining works are in progress.
Is there community participation?
Yes. The programme operates on a community-driven model. Gram panchayats participate in planning and monitoring, and community labour is involved in smaller works.
Facts checked against wcd.maharashtra.gov.in on 30 September 2026. editorial policy.