The State is setting a benchmark for climate resilience by integrating water security with renewable energy

In a significant push towards climate resilience and sustainable development, Maharashtra is pioneering innovative solutions that combine water security with renewable energy. The state’s groundbreaking initiatives are transforming rural communities while addressing the dual challenges of water scarcity and energy transition.

The Water Supply and Sanitation Department, along with the Ground Water Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA), has initiated a revolutionary automated solar-hybrid water pumping system across 69 communities. This innovative approach, supported by UNICEF Mumbai, represents a major leap in rural water management technology.These systems reduce grid energy consumption by up to 80 per cent while ensuring 24/7 water availability.

The hybrid technology prioritizes solar power and supplements it with grid electricity only when necessary, resulting in potential energy bill reductions of up to 90 per cent.The system’s sophistication lies in its IoT-enabled infrastructure. Digital flow meters and sensors installed at storage tanks allow Gram Panchayats to monitor and control water distribution remotely, preventing over-extraction and waste.

The technology includes an automatic solar panel cleaning mechanism, making it highly sustainable and low-maintenance.In Nagpur, the innovative "Green Project" demonstrates how integrated approaches can yield multiple environmental benefits. The project combines solar systems, rooftop rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and innovative cooling solutions. Early results are promising: a typical 250-square-meter rooftop can harvest approximately 200,000 litres of water while reducing electricity consumption by 50 per cent.Perhaps the most inspiring success story comes from Manyachiwadi village in Satara district, which has become Maharashtra’s first fully solar-powered village. Through the installation of over 100 rooftop solar panels, the village has achieved energy independence, eliminating electricity bills for its residents.

The project, funded through the Majhi Vasundhara Campaign state award money and community contributions, serves as a model for rural energy transition.Similarly, Tikekarwadi village has earned recognition under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for its comprehensive approach to sustainability. The village has successfully integrated solar and wind energy, biogas plants, and reverse osmosis water treatment systems, setting new standards for rural development.These initiatives are particularly significant given Maharashtra’s vulnerability to climate change.

The state faces recurring droughts, intense heat waves, and water scarcity issues. The year 2020, tied with 2016, was recorded as the hottest year, highlighting the urgent need for cooling solutions in rural areas where air conditioning is often unaffordable.

The state’s approach aligns with multiple national programs, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal Yojana, Catch the Rain Campaign, and the Majhi Vasundhara Campaign. This convergence of schemes has enabled comprehensive solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals.The economic viability of these projects is particularly noteworthy.

The Green Project, with an investment of approximately INR 420,000, achieves break-even within 3-4 years while providing lasting environmental benefits. The solar-hybrid water pumping systems have a payback period of 5-6 years, generating significant long-term savings for rural communities.

These innovations represent a significant shift in rural development strategy, demonstrating that environmental sustainability and economic viability can go hand in hand.

The success of these projects has caught the attention of other states, with many looking to replicate Maharashtra’s model.

These initiatives are in a way unlocking significant productivity gains and strengthening the development outcomes by accessing clean and green energy for water, health, etc.

As climate change continues to pose increasing challenges, Maharashtra’s integrated approach to water security and energy transition offers valuable lessons for sustainable development. These initiatives not only address immediate environmental concerns but also build long-term resilience in rural communities, proving that local solutions can have a global impact in the fight against climate change.

(The writer is chief, UNICEF Maharashtra Office; views are personal)