States » WestPosted at: Nov 14 2026 7:01PM


Gadkari proposes using MOIL, WCL mine water to boost irrigation in drought-hit Vidarbha

Nagpur, Nov 14 (UNI) union Minister Nitin Gadkari has proposed utilising water accumulated in mines operated by Manganese Ore India Limited (MOIL) and Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) to support agricultural activities and address water scarcity in drought-prone Vidarbha.
Addressing the 17th Agrovision Agriculture Exhibition here on Saturday, Gadkari stressed the need for coordinated efforts to strengthen water conservation and groundwater recharge across the region.
He said successful water conservation initiatives undertaken in different parts of Maharashtra would be showcased at the exhibition to encourage farmers to replicate them in their villages and fields.
Highlighting the potential of abandoned or excavated mine pits as additional water sources, Gadkari said substantial quantities of water accumulate in MOIL and WCL mines after excavation. This water could be channelled to agricultural fields through solar-powered pumps, providing much-needed relief to farmers during drought conditions.
He urged state minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who attended the programme, to arrange a meeting with representatives of both mining companies at a major conference scheduled to be held at the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in December to explore the proposal.
Gadkari also drew attention to the potential of Vidarbha's traditional water bodies, pointing out that the region has around 6,500 malguzari(man-made) lakes. Their capacity could be enhanced through desilting and deepening, while removing accumulated silt from dams would further improve their water storage and utilisation potential, he said.
Emphasising the broader objective of making Vidarbha drought-free, the union minister called for expanding irrigation facilities and accelerating water conservation initiatives in every district.
Gadkari, who is the chief patron of Agrovision, said the exhibition would serve as a platform for farmers to understand successful water management models and adopt practical measures to improve water availability.
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Tags: #Gadkari proposes using MOIL# WCL mine water to boost irrigation in drought-hit Vidarbha
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