According to the order, 11 of these projects were approved during the tenure of former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while three were sanctioned under the earlier MVA government. The cancelled projects include several lake rejuvenation works across districts such as Latur, Raigad, Beed, Jalgaon, Mumbai, and Nashik.
The department has also directed that the funds disbursed along with interest be recovered, citing procedural lapses and non-compliance with scheme guidelines. Officials said several proposals were either not prepared in the prescribed format or lacked updated project reports despite delays of over two years.
The decision was taken after a review by a steering committee, which flagged irregularities and concerns over implementation under the State Lake Conservation Scheme, aimed at restoring and protecting water bodies.
The move marks another major policy reversal by the current administration, overturning multiple decisions taken during the previous government’s tenure.
Also Read: Thane: Why Only a Ban on Vehicle Wash Centres in Thane? MNS and PWP Question Civic Decision