Ujani dam flood‑diversion project gets World Bank nod, aims to aid Solapur region

The state government of Maharashtra announced that the flood‑diversion scheme intended to bring additional water into the Ujani reservoir has received formal approval from the World Bank. The initiative, which was discussed during Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' visit to drought‑affected areas of Solapur, seeks to mitigate the severe water deficit that has left soybean fields in Barshi taluka with an estimated 100 percent loss.

According to officials, the project's tendering process is now underway, and once operational, the diverted water will be stored in Ujani for both irrigation and drinking purposes. The scheme is expected to serve not only Solapur but also the adjoining districts of Dharashiv, Latur and Beed, bolstering agricultural productivity ahead of the rabi season.

State ministers, including Jaykumar Gore and MLA Rajendra Raut, have expressed full support for the plan, indicating that the administration will fast‑track all related approvals. The government also promised that, alongside the diversion project, it will release an emergency relief order to provide direct monetary assistance to farmers who suffered total crop failure.