10% water cut in all Maharashtra urban local bodies from October 16 as state battles drought
Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said drinking water will get first priority in dam planning as the state announced a series of drought measures.
Mumbai: In view of drought conditions, the state government has started several measures to save water, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said. According to him, instructions have been issued to enforce a 10 per cent water cut in all urban local self-government bodies from October 16.
The Water Resources Department has done detailed planning for every dam and every use up to August 31. Ensuring people do not face a shortage of drinking water has been placed above all else. Drinking water will get priority in the planning of water from dams and reservoirs.
Drinking water will be kept reserved until August 31, 2027, taking into account evaporation, silt and unauthorised drawing of water. Given the uncertainty ahead, a 10 per cent emergency buffer stock will be set aside in every dam. If needed, water from the dead storage will be used after a technical inspection.
For farming and irrigation, drinking water, and the needs of animals and fodder, will be met first. The water that remains will then be distributed for irrigation. Approval will go first to rabi season fodder and forage crops, then to the remaining crops and, if water is left, to perennial crops. Emphasis will be on irrigation methods that prevent wastage of water.
The government has approved drought measures under the MLA Local Area Development Fund. A ceiling of Rs 25 lakh per work has been fixed for 2026-27. District collectors will be able to approve such works. The Planning Department took the decision through a Government Resolution dated the 5th. Proposals for spending above Rs 25 lakh will be sent by collectors for approval as special cases.
The fund can be used for temporary tap water schemes, tap connections, repair of pipelines and tanks, deepening of wells, desilting, new wells and tube wells, repair and revival of wells, and installing electric pumps for water supply schemes. Digging pits in rivers and creating temporary water storage are also permitted.
Industries have been made to reuse at least 30 per cent of their water. Joint teams of the revenue, police and water resources departments will patrol to stop unauthorised drawing of water from dams, rivers and canals. Action will be taken against offenders, and illegal pumps and equipment will be seized.
Buckets and tubs in fodder camps, and sheds and essential water equipment in recognised cow shelters, can be provided from the same fund. Equipment for providing clean water in primary health centres, sub-centres, schools and anganwadi centres, and water purification machines in schools, have also been approved.
