Dilip Walse Patil has emphasized the urgent need to develop a comprehensive five-year scientific plan to ensure a sustainable and perennial water supply for agriculture in the Ambegaon-Shirur assembly constituency. Recognizing water scarcity as a critical challenge affecting farmers’ livelihoods and crop productivity, he advocates for a well-structured approach combining modern water conservation techniques and efficient resource management.
The proposed plan would focus on integrated water resource management tailored to the region’s unique geography and hydrology. It aims to enhance groundwater recharge, improve irrigation infrastructure, and promote water-saving agricultural practices such as micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting. Drawing from successful state initiatives like Maharashtra’s Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan, which has rejuvenated thousands of water bodies and increased groundwater levels, the plan envisions replicating and customizing such models for Ambegaon and Shirur talukas.
Key components of the plan include:
Mapping and assessment of local aquifers to understand groundwater availability and recharge potential.
Construction and maintenance of small check dams, farm ponds, and percolation tanks to capture and store rainwater.
Desilting of existing reservoirs and water bodies to enhance their storage capacity and improve soil fertility through silt application.
Promotion of micro-irrigation systems (drip and sprinkler) to optimize water use efficiency in farming.
Community participation and capacity building to ensure sustainable management and ownership of water resources.
Coordination among government departments, NGOs, and local stakeholders for effective implementation and monitoring.
Such a scientific and participatory approach is expected to make the region drought-resilient, increase crop yields, and improve farmers’ income. It aligns with Maharashtra’s broader water conservation goals and the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Dilip Walse Patil’s call for this five-year plan reflects a growing recognition that traditional large-scale irrigation projects alone cannot solve water scarcity. Instead, a combination of decentralized, cost-effective, and environmentally sound measures is essential to secure agriculture’s future in Ambegaon-Shirur.
