Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra), Sep 17: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday reiterated the state government’s resolve to permanently eradicate drought in the Marathwada region, announcing plans to divert 70 TMC of water from the Ulhas basin to the Godavari basin in phases over the next seven years.

He also assured that the government will take necessary measures to provide assistance to the farmers amid scanty rainfall in the Marathwada region.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of Marathwada Mukti Sangram Day after the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Martyr’s Memorial, Fadnavis said, “Work is underway to divert 70 TMC of water from the Ulhas basin into the Godavari basin. While this generation has endured severe drought, we will ensure the next generation does not. We aim to transfer this water to the Godavari basin in phases over the next seven years.”

The chief minister reiterated the government’s initiatives regarding debt relief, water supply, and river-linking projects.

“About 30 TMC of additional water from the Krishna basin is being diverted to Marathwada following World Bank approval, with tenders currently being issued. Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for river-linking projects to lift water from the Konkan region to the deficit Godavari basin are in the final stages, utilising unique engineering designs,” Fadnavis said.

The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar water supply project is in its final stages, which will soon ensure daily drinking water for the city, he said, adding that major investments are coming into Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, supported by upgrading infrastructure and the ongoing work on the Jalna Dry Port.

“Farmers are benefiting from the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Debt Waiver Scheme, with remaining beneficiary lists to be released soon,” Fadnavis said.

Addressing the drought situation in Marathwada, the CM reassured the farming community that the government will extend relief and take due measures to tackle the situation.

“Marathwada faces constant struggle, particularly against recurring droughts. This year has again brought drought conditions. Although initial expectations for crops were positive, a long spell without rain severely damaged agricultural yield. I assure farmers that our government will not abandon you under any circumstances. We stand firmly behind you and will provide all necessary assistance,” he said.

He announced that crop damage assessments (panchanamas) will begin after October 5.

“While NDRF assistance will follow, the state government will ensure its aid reaches farmers beforehand. To prepare for potential drinking water and fodder shortages, fodder cultivation was initiated earlier under the Fodder Development Programme,” he stated.

The chief minister announced the cancellation of Rs 48,000 crore in outstanding agricultural electricity bills.

“We previously decided to provide free electricity to farmers, and now the state government has decided to waive their past dues of Rs 48,000 crore so they face no further hardship,” Fadnavis said.

The chief minister briefly recounted the history of the freedom struggle.

“Even after India’s Independence, Marathwada continued its struggle for freedom. Marathwada achieved liberation 13 months later, on September 17, 1948, when the Indian tricolor was finally unfurled. I salute all the freedom fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice, endured atrocities in prison, or protested through satyagraha. I pay my respectful homage to those who are no longer with us. Marathwada was liberated due to their sacrifices. Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel mounted a massive effort, applying pressure from all four sides to free the region,” he said.

“Today, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. However, during that era, ‘Vande Mataram’ was strictly banned. Speaking or teaching Marathi was prohibited, and atrocities reached extreme levels where people could not celebrate festivals. Freedom fighters pulled Marathwada out of these conditions,” the CM added.

Speaking at a parallel event in Beed, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar highlighted the historical weight of the movement.

“Marathwada Liberation was the second freedom struggle for the rest of the country. Beed district served as the epicentre of this struggle. Swami Ramanand Teerth led the movement capably. For me, this history is personal, as my father, Bajirao Patil, actively participated in the liberation struggle,” she said.

Sunetra Pawar also extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sambhajinagar, Sep 17: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday expressed relief and satisfaction after Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil ended his hunger strike on its 20th day.

Addressing media, he welcomed the development, noting that the government had proactively engaged with the activist to resolve the standoff peacefully.

“We are glad that Manoj Jarange Patil has called off his hunger strike. We had urged him to do so. Out of his 13 demands, 12 have been accepted by the government. One demand could not be fulfilled due to legal constraints, which was duly communicated to him,” he stated.

The Chief Minister assured that the commitments made by the cabinet sub-committee would be strictly fulfilled. The state government will hold necessary meetings and take required administrative steps to implement these promises.

Reaffirming the state’s commitment to Maratha community, Fadnavis emphasized that “our doors remain open” and claimed that no previous administration has taken as many concrete decisions for the welfare of the Maratha community as the current government.

Extending appreciation to key leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and legislator Prasad Lad for their mediation, CM Fadnavis highlighted that the agitation concluded peacefully without disturbing upcoming festive celebrations.

Earlier, Jarange Patil on Thursday at Patoda in Beed district announced the suspension of his 20-day hunger strike following his discussion with a government delegation comprising Ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Dadaji Bhuse, MLAs Prasad Lad and Suresh Dhas, and the Beed District Collector. Following the talks, Jarange Patil granted the government a 90-day deadline, demanding the implementation of the Satara Gazette within three months. He warned that if the government betrays them, he will march to Mumbai.

Announcing the suspension of his hunger strike, he clarified that the agitation would continue, asserting that the battle would not stop until it succeeded. Giving a three-month ultimatum for the Satara Gazette implementation, he stated that antagonising the Maratha community is unacceptable.

He remarked that despite any mistakes by Minister Vikhe Patil, people should treat him with affection, and expressed similar sentiments toward DCM Eknath Shinde. He added that he would not stay silent if ministers criticised them and noted that officials who previously avoided talks had finally come to negotiate, emphasising that the community’s dignity is more important than reservations.

The government delegation gave him assurances including implementation of the Satara, Kolhapur, Pune, and Aundh Gazettes within three months by issuing a Government Resolution (GR), issuance of a revised GR to grant Kunbi certificates in accordance with the Hyderabad Gazette, continued validation of certificates issued per the Hyderabad Gazette, no reduction in the 58 lakh Kunbi records found by the Shinde Committee and validation of the revoked Kunbi certificates of four elected representatives from Marathwada.

Following its crackdown on cyber fraudsters, the Mumbai Crime Branch has claimed the arrest of seven additional suspects from Goa. Three individuals had previously been arrested in connection with the same case; this latest action follows progress made during the investigation. On September 11, acting on confidential information, Unit 5 of the Mumbai Crime Branch initiated proceedings against three individuals for cyber fraud, registering a case under Sections 318(4), 61, 45, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Subsequent developments led Unit 5 to take further action. The accused—along with their associates—would open bank accounts in their own names and the names of others, while also purchasing SIM cards in various names to link to these accounts. After opening the accounts, they retained direct possession and control of the passbooks, ATM cards, chequebooks, SIM cards, and other linked credentials, utilizing the accounts to commit cyber fraud. Items seized from them included 88 passbooks, 143 chequebooks, 100 ATM cards, 24 mobile phones, 167 SIM cards, and two laptops. Further investigation, utilizing technical analysis and AI, led to the arrest of seven more suspects on September 13; they were apprehended at a villa in a Goa resort where they had been operating the cyber fraud racket. The following items were recovered from them: 1) 59 mobile phones from various companies, 2) a total of 19 SIM cards from various companies, 3) 9 laptops, 4) 51 ATM cards, 5) 12 passbooks, and other materials. It has been revealed that the accused developed and utilized their own application to transfer funds obtained through financial fraud.
The court has granted police custody remand for the accused until September 24.
This successful operation was carried out by Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Anil Kumbhare, Additional Commissioner (Crime) Krishnakant Upadhyay, and DCP Raj Tilak Roshan.