Maharashtra Cabinet Approves ₹4,775 Crore Bembla River Irrigation Project

The Maharashtra Cabinet has taken two major policy decisions aimed at boosting rural development and youth employment. It has approved the ₹4,775 crore Bembla River Irrigation Project in Yavatmal district to expand irrigation coverage, and cleared the formation of a new state agency to support overseas employment for skilled youth from Maharashtra.

Why in News?

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved a large irrigation project on the Bembla River worth ₹4,775 crore. It also cleared the establishment of a new overseas employment facilitation agency named MAHIMA.

Bembla River Irrigation Project

Key Features

• The approved Bembla River Irrigation Project will be implemented in Yavatmal district and is expected to significantly strengthen agricultural infrastructure in the region.
• The project will bring 52,423 hectares of land under assured irrigation across five talukas, reducing dependence on rainfall.
• With a total cost of ₹4,775 crore, the project aims to improve crop productivity, enhance farmer incomes, and reduce agrarian distress in drought prone areas.
• Improved irrigation will also support crop diversification and long-term water security in eastern Maharashtra.

Agricultural and Regional Importance

• Irrigation remains a critical challenge in several parts of Maharashtra, especially in Vidarbha.
• The Bembla River project is expected to stabilise farm output by ensuring reliable water supply throughout the year.
• Better irrigation will help farmers shift from low value rain fed crops to higher-value crops, boosting rural incomes.
• The project is also expected to generate employment during construction and related activities.
• In the long run, it will strengthen regional food security and support sustainable agricultural growth in Yavatmal and surrounding areas.

MAHIMA: New Agency for Overseas Employment

• Alongside irrigation reforms, the Cabinet approved the creation of the Maharashtra Agency for Holistic International Mobility and Advancements (MAHIMA).
• The agency will focus on providing overseas employment opportunities for trained and skilled youth from the state. MAHIMA will work on coordination, skill mapping, and implementation mechanisms to connect Maharashtra’s workforce with global labor markets.
• This move aims to reduce unemployment, improve remittance inflows, and enhance international exposure for the state’s youth.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. In which district will the Bembla River Irrigation Project be implemented?

A. Nagpur
B. Yavatmal
C. Pune
D. Nashik