The Maharashtra government has approved Rs 60 crore for rural drinking water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, aiming to address acute shortages in drought-prone areas.

The funds will be disbursed to all Zilla Parishads, with priority given to villages facing severe scarcity. According to the government resolution, the allocation will cover new pipelines, storage tanks, and repairs to existing networks. Officials confirmed that disbursement will be phased, depending on work progress, while District Collectors must ensure technical approvals before tenders are issued.

Field engineers have been tasked with conducting inspections to ensure quality standards are maintained. The initiative is designed to strengthen rural infrastructure before next summer, when demand typically surges and dependence on water tankers rises. Officials clarified that the sanction forms part of a larger plan to upgrade drinking water facilities across the state, following repeated requests from local bodies.