Mumbai: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the Maharashtra Rural Drinking Water Policy 2026, which focuses on effective and permanent measures for the supply of drinking water in rural areas of the state. Under the policy, a comprehensive plan will be prepared for the maintenance and repair of the schemes under Jaljeevan Mission 2.0 being implemented in the state.The policy will try to provide equal access to clean drinking water for the citizens. Also, emphasis will be placed on water self-sufficiency of villages, sustainability of sources by revitalising water sources, rainwater harvesting for water conservation, wastewater reuse and recycling.The policy has fixed the average rate per kilolitre of water for rural schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission in the state at a minimum monthly rate of Rs 150 per household and a maximum of Rs 400 per household for domestic use.Apart from this, the water charge rates of the schemes run by the Maharashtra Life Authority can be fixed with the approval of the Board of Directors of the Authority. It will be mandatory for the concerned local self-govt body to recover 100% of the water charge/water usage fee charged as per the fixed rate.
