Wardha, Apr 13 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Sunday that by December 2026, 80 percent of farmers in the state will be provided with free electricity for 12 hours a day.

Speaking at inauguration and ground-breaking ceremony of various development works in Arvi of the district, he also announced that the electricity bills of common citizens in the state will be reduced every year over next five years.

He said that heeding to the demand of farmers for 12 hours of electricity in a day for agriculture, the state government has taken various decisions in interest of farmers and started implementing them directly.

By December 2026, 80 percent of farmers in the state will get free electricity for 12 hours a day, 365 days a year, he asserted.

Similarly, the state government has planned and started taking action to reduce electricity bills of consumers in the state every year from 2025 to 2030, he informed.

He also said that the middle class and poor families using up to 300 units of electricity will be provided free electricity by bringing them under solar energy.

The Chief Minister said that water and electricity will be provided for agriculture through irrigation projects like Lower Wardha Project, Vaddona-Pimpalkhuta in Wardha district and employment opportunities will be provided by setting up an MIDC at the node on the Samruddhi Highway passing through the district.

Also, the state government will provide all possible help to implement the Lower Wardha project and the Vaddona-Pimpalkhuta lift irrigation project in this area in coming time, he said.

Through these irrigation projects, free electricity along with abundant water will be available for agriculture in this area, he continued.

He further said that due to the Wainganga-Nalganga river linking project, some drought-affected areas in 10 districts of Vidarbha, including Wardha, will get water.

Through this project, a new 550 km river will be created and a provision of Rs one lakh crore has been made for the purpose, he informed.

All necessary approvals for this scheme have been given and the final plan of the scheme is being prepared, he said.

The work on this scheme will begin by the end of this year or early next year, added Fadnavis.

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