Like all other parts of the state, Gondia has also received several development initiatives by Maharashtra Sevak Devendra Fadnavis, which are specific to the needs of the district and the region for that matter. As Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Minister of Water Resources and Energy, he has focused on every sector in Gondia district, from rural development to urban infrastructure and from agricultural reforms to water conservation schemes. For example, he established water self-sufficiency for the Gondia district through the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan. He also enhanced infrastructure in Gondia district by strengthening the irrigation system, railways, and highways through various projects, along with improvements in the judicial system, education, sanitation, and electricity — leading to the district’s comprehensive development.
Devendra Fadnavis has taken several concrete decisions for the development of Gondia district while serving in various responsible roles in Maharashtra politics. Holding various positions such as Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Energy Minister, and Water Resources Minister, he implemented a lot of schemes for the overall progress of the district. Since 2015, Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan in Gondia has played a key role in implementing significant water conservation works across the district. In three phases, 233 villages in the district were selected. Notably, of the 63 villages chosen in the third phase, 62 were recorded as becoming 100 percent water-sufficient. The success of Jalyukta Shiver Abhiyan in Gondia can also be attributed to the local participation in the project in addition to effective technical guidance and administrative decisions from the government’s part. As a result a significant rise in groundwater levels has been observed in these villages.
Meeting the needs of the people…
To improve the education conditions in the district, the government created several new positions through the cabinet in 2019 for starting new courses at the Gondia Government Polytechnic. This decision involved a long-term budget allocation for education in the district, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring local youth receive quality technical training. A fund of Rs. 4,819 crore was approved for laying the second line in the Gondia–Ballarshah railway route. This project was crucial not only for travel but also for connecting Vidarbha’s trade with the markets of Chhattisgarh and Telangana. This project will significantly save fuel and time, making Gondia district more dynamic. Keeping women’s safety in mind, the Fadnavis government also decided to establish a special women’s court in Gondia. Special courts had become the need of the hour to ensure speedy hearing and justice in cases of atrocities against women. Setting up special courts for women has been an exemplary step towards justice and upliftment of women in the society.
Focus on building infrastructure in Gondia district
As part of urban development, Gondia district was included in the Amrit Mission in 2015. The program was designed to check and improve the key parameters for good living quality, such as water supply, sewage systems, sufficient greenery, and proper transportation. With coordination between the central and state governments, infrastructure in the district was given a boost through the special funds allocated for Gondia under this scheme. Similarly, to ensure sufficient drinking water supply in the district throughout the year, approval was given in July 2025 to augment the existing water supply in Gondia with water from the Umarjhari reservoir located at Sadak Arjuni. These measures greatly impacted the day-to-day life of the citizens in the district. Another remarkable step in the infrastructure development that’ll also boost the district’s economy has been the extension of the Samruddhi Highway from Nagpur to Gondia. This highway will open up new opportunities for industrial, agricultural, and social development in eastern Vidarbha. A region rich in mineral and natural resources will now be better connected to bring economic prosperity.
Reviving Malgujari Lakes Through Community Engagement
Protecting and conserving natural resources is equally important. On September 20, 2024, administrative approval of Rs. 4.56 crore was granted for repair work on dams included in the tiger project. The safety of dams is essential for agriculture and drinking water. The memorandum of understanding signed with the Tata Trusts in December 2017 to revive the Malgujari lakes is an example of the Devendra Fadnavis government’s foresight. Restoring local water bodies is crucial for sustainable water use, and if it can be accomplished through community involvement, it produces a sustainable result. To maintain cleanliness and environmental balance, the Fadnavis government also took significant steps in solid waste management. Administrative approval was given in January 2025 for a solid waste management project in Arjuni Nagar Panchayat to enable implementation in line with the objectives of the Swachh Maharashtra campaign. Regarding the provision of land for solid waste management in Gondia, Devendra Fadnavis, then Deputy Chief Minister, had given assurances at the April 16, 2024 meeting, which were fulfilled as soon as his government came to power.
Under Devendra Fadnavis, Gondia has always received attention for development in multiple areas, including irrigation, farm electricity, rail, and road infrastructure, with projects aimed at improving agriculture and connectivity to boost the regional economy. While inaugurating various development projects worth ₹5,422 crore in the Tirora constituency, Devendra Fadnavis fulfilled the promises he had made earlier. The Dhapewada lift irrigation project, along with the repair works of Bodalkasa and Chorkhamara lakes, will bring thousands of acres of land in this region under irrigation. This initiative will significantly boost the district’s agricultural productivity and also strengthen the infrastructure for drinking water.
Additionally, the state government’s schemes such as the Free Electricity Scheme, ‘Saur Krishi Pump’ and ‘Saur Krishi Vahini’ have built trust among the farmers of Gondia. Furthermore, the ‘Dhan Bonus’ provided to farmers and the assurance to increase it in the future stand as clear evidence that this is truly a government for the farmers.
Overall, the development of Gondia district is gaining momentum under Devendra Fadnavis’s leadership. This government is striving to transform Gondia with futuristic planning and implementation of government schemes, funding, and administrative decisions.