Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched India’s first Smart and Intelligent Village, Satanwari, in Nagpur district on Sunday, announcing an ambitious plan to develop 10 smart villages in each of the state’s 358 talukas, totaling nearly 3,500 villages in the first phase. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, these villages will offer advanced services in agriculture, health, education, and more, aiming to bridge the rural-urban divide.
Speaking at the launch, Fadnavis described the initiative as a “revolutionary step” to deliver essential facilities through technology, building on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BharatNet and Maharashtra’s MahaNet projects for rural connectivity. Satanwari, developed in collaboration with the state government, Nagpur district administration, Voice of Indian Communication Technology Enterprises (VOICE), and 24 Indian tech firms, now features 18 services, including telemedicine, AI-driven smart education, drone-based irrigation and pesticide spraying, mobile banking, and digital surveillance.
In Satanwari, farmers use drones and sensors for soil testing and crop management, while improved drinking water quality and telemedicine enhance health access. “Satanwari will soon be a model for the country,” Fadnavis declared, predicting its rise as one of India’s most progressive villages. The project aligns with Modi’s Digital India vision, with ₹1,200 crore sanctioned for Nagpur’s development, as noted by State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
Also Read: Maharashtra CM Sets March 31 Deadline for AMRUT 2.0 Projects
The event also saw Fadnavis virtually perform bhoomipoojan for 40 anganwadis and inaugurate solar panels at primary health sub-centres under the 15th Finance Commission. VOICE CEO Rakesh Kumar Bhatnagar showcased Satanwari’s facilities, and certificates were awarded to partner companies. Social media posts on X, including from @CMOMaharashtra, hailed the initiative, with users like @SmartIndia2025 praising its potential to transform rural Maharashtra’s economy and quality of life.
Also Read: Ajit Pawar Dismisses Political Speculation Over Thackeray-Fadnavis Meet