Maharashtra orders minimum 10% water cut in all cities and villages from October 16

The state government on Monday issued an order cutting water supply, citing deficient monsoon rainfall and the possibility of drought-like conditions. A cut of at least 10 per cent will have to be made in both urban and rural areas from October 16.

The order applies to all municipal corporations, municipal councils and gram panchayats, so large cities such as Nagpur will also come under the water-saving measure. The government is trying to conserve the available stock in dams for drinking and other essential needs.

Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said the department has planned the available water stock, dam by dam and region by region, up to August 31, 2027. The planning takes into account the impact of El Nino and the possibility of a prolonged shortage. "Drinking water will get the highest priority," Mahajan said. He added that all local bodies have been instructed to implement the 10 per cent cut from October 16.

The government has also said local administrations should launch special drives to stop leakage and wastage of water. Sewage treatment plants should be run at full capacity. Treated water will be diverted to non-potable uses such as gardening, construction and washing clothes, easing the pressure on fresh water. Industries have been ordered to recycle at least 30 per cent of the water they use.

As part of emergency planning, the government has decided to keep an additional 10 per cent of water in reserve in every dam. Water needed for drinking will be set aside up to August 31, 2027, accounting for evaporation, silt build-up and unauthorised withdrawal.

Mahajan said water would be considered for release for irrigation only after the needs of drinking water, livestock and fodder are met. In water allocation, the government has given priority to rabi foodgrains and fodder. Other rabi crops will come next, while perennial crops will get water only if the stock is sufficient.

The state is also preparing strict action against unauthorised water withdrawal from dams, rivers and canals. For monitoring, the Water Resources Department will coordinate with the revenue and police departments to form joint teams. The government said illegal pumps and other equipment used for unauthorised withdrawal will be seized.

Mahajan appealed to citizens, local bodies and government agencies to use water carefully and avoid wastage. The Water Resources, Revenue, Agriculture, Industries and Urban Development departments are coordinating on water-saving and allocation measures, as Maharashtra faces a potentially difficult water year.