Maharashtra Government to start Dr Shankarrao Chavan Jal Bhushan awards

Mumbai, Jan 23, 2020: The State Government has decided to give Jal Bhushan awards in the name of former chief minister Late Dr. Shankarrao Chavan to those who contribute in the field of water resources, water conservation and water supply.

The decision was taken to mark the birth centenary year of late Dr Shankarra Chavan who has big contribution in making of Maharashtra and who is known for pioneering efforts in the field of water culture. He had brought the water conservation culture by giving the slogan of `Paani Adawa, Paani Jirawa’ (Stop Water, Conserve Water) to make the state drought-free. It was because of him that many irrigation projects were completed. It is important to take his thoughts to present generation for getting rid of droughts. State Government has given directions to propagate his thoughts and as a part of the same, Jal Bhushan awards would be given. Other than this, state Government would bring out reference book and special issue of Lokrajya devoted to water revolution related thoughts.

The state Government has decided to build a memorial in the name of former chief minister Late Dr Shankarrao Chavan near the Vishnupuri project at Nanded and also start a police training center at Bhokar in Nanded district. It has been proposed to start library, competitive examination guidance center and hostel for girls and boys at Nanded city and Government has directed concerned departments for making adequate financial provision for these works.

Dr Shankarrao Chavan was born on July 14th 1920 and to mark his birth centenary year which is between July 15 2019 and July 14 2020, Government has taken these decisions. It has been already announced that the ensuing budget session of state assembly would moot a proposal to acknowledge work doen by late Dr Shankarrao Chavan in both the houses of state assembly.