Nagpur to get 10% less water from October 16 under state priority allocation plan

Water scarcity is deepening in Nagpur district because of deficient rain and the effects of El Nino. In view of this, the state government has put in place a priority-based water allocation plan. The plan will remain in force across the state, including Nagpur, till August 2027.

Under the new directions, all urban local bodies in the state must cut water supply by at least 10% from October 16. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) currently supplies 740 MLD (million litres per day). After the 10% cut, the city will receive 74 MLD less water every day.

Sonali Chopde, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department (WRD), Nagpur region, said that as per the government order, drinking water will be given the highest priority. Water for industry and agriculture will follow.

Nagpur gets 520 MLD from the Pench system and 220 MLD from the Kanhan system. A total of 259 million cubic metres of water has already been reserved for drinking purposes till August 31, 2027.

At the first level, covering drinking water and the emergency reserve, the drinking water quota will be set aside first from the reservoirs. Losses due to evaporation and silt will also be set aside. In addition, 10% of the available water will be kept as an emergency reserve, to be used only for drinking water in an emergency.

Industry is the second priority. Water left over in Nagpur district after drinking water needs are met will go to industries. To reduce dependence on fresh water, industries have been required to recycle at least 30% of their water.

In agriculture, seed production will get water first. Rabi fodder crops, rabi irrigation, seasonal crops and two-season crops will follow. Multi-year crops will be given water last.

Local bodies have been directed to prevent water leakage, conserve water and run sewage treatment plants (STPs) at full capacity. A committee headed by the district's guardian minister has been formed to implement the plan. Its members will include the district collector, NMC Commissioner Dr Vipin Itankar and the chief executive officer of the Zilla Parishad. The committee will approve a dam-wise water use plan. The government's directions take effect on October 16 and will remain in force till August 31, 2027.