Maharashtra is facing water crisis amid deficient monsoon and potential drought conditions (Representative image)
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government on Monday said it will impose a minimum 10% water cut in all urban and rural local bodies from October 16 amid a deficient monsoon.
Industries have been directed to reuse or recycle at least 30% of the water they use, according to the statement. “A 10% additional emergency buffer stock would be maintained in each dam. Water required for drinking purposes will be reserved up to August 31, 2027, after accounting for evaporation, silt and unauthorised extraction.
Water will be released for irrigation only after meeting drinking water, livestock and fodder requirements,” Mahajan said. The water resources, revenue, agriculture, industries and urban development departments are working in coordination to deal with the situation, PTI reported. Joint teams will patrol such areas, and illegal pumps and equipment will be seized, it said. (With agency inputs) You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news.
Rabi foodgrains and fodder will get priority, followed by other Rabi crops, while perennial crops will be permitted only if water remains available, the government statement said. Mahajan appealed to citizens and government agencies to use water judiciously. The water resources department will also work with revenue and police authorities to curb unauthorised extraction of water from dams, rivers and canals. Download the TOI App.
State water resources minister Girish Mahajan said his department had undertaken detailed dam-wise and use-wise planning of available water stocks up to August 31, 2027, keeping in mind the impact of El Niño and the possibility of a drought-like situation, news agency PTI reported. All municipal corporations, municipalities and gram panchayats have been directed to implement a 10% water cut from October 16,” Mahajan said in a statement. Earlier reporting noted: Maharashtra govt orders 10% water cut from October 16 across state amid El Niño concerns The Maharashtra government on Monday ordered a minimum 10% water cut across all urban local bodies from October 16, citing reduced rainfall and limited water availability amid the impact of El Niño. Earlier reporting noted: Also Read | Pawar cites El Niño-induced deficient rain in Maharashtra, says declare drought Earlier reporting noted: The government has declared drought in 265 talukas where the Trigger-1 criterion was applied during the 2026 kharif season.
Treated wastewater will be used for activities such as gardening, construction and washing, it said. Mahajan said that, given the possibility of El Niño continuing into next year, all concerned agencies have been directed to use water judiciously and implement stringent conservation measures. “Drinking water will be given the highest priority. The government has also directed local bodies to undertake special drives to prevent water leakage and operate sewage treatment plants at full capacity.