Revival of WLMI Set to Boost Maharashtra's Agricultural Sector

The state government will approve the detailed project report for the revival of the Water and Land Management Institute (WLMI) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, as announced by Minister Sanjay Rathod. The revival, involving infrastructure repairs, is crucial for Maharashtra's farmers and will receive necessary funding.

The state government is set to greenlight the detailed project report (DPR) for reviving the Water and Land Management Institute (WLMI) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Minister Sanjay Rathod announced on Monday.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting on the subject, Rathod, the state minister for soil and water conservation, emphasized the institute's significance to Maharashtra's farmers. 'The state government will approve the DPR for WLMI's revival. Necessary repairs and infrastructure updates will be undertaken. Consultations have been held with former faculty members for their assistance. The DPR will be presented in the cabinet for approval, and the required funds will be allocated,' Rathod stated.

Highlighting the institute's dire need for revival, former WLMI faculty member and water expert Pradeep Purandare revealed that the institute is currently in a fragile state with only one or two remaining experts, who are soon to retire. Rathod also announced retroactive sanctions for six Water Conservation Corporation projects located in Thane, Raigad, and Sindhudurg.

An official revealed that the corporation oversees 14,354 small irrigation projects, of which 3,509 have been completed, irrigating 10.7 lakh hectares, while 10,845 projects are under construction and will eventually irrigate an additional 2.97 lakh hectares.