The Maharashtra government on Monday ordered a minimum 10% water cut across urban and rural local bodies from October 16, citing reduced rainfall, limited water availability and concerns over the impact of El Niño.
The decision comes after the state declared drought in 265 talukas, with the government preparing a detailed water management plan to ensure drinking water supplies through August 31, 2027.
Drinking water gets priority in state water plan
Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said the Water Resources Department had undertaken detailed dam-wise and use-wise planning of available water up to August 31, 2027, with drinking water being accorded the highest priority.
All municipal corporations, municipalities and gram panchayats have been directed to implement the 10% water cut from October 16. They have also been asked to undertake special drives to prevent leakages.
Sewage treatment plants (STPs) should operate at full capacity, with treated wastewater being used for gardens, construction and washing purposes.
The government has declared drought in 265 talukas where the Trigger-1 criterion was applied during the 2026 kharif season. 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.
The state has also asked the Water Resources, Revenue, Agriculture, Industries and Urban Development departments to coordinate on managing the situation.
Reservoirs to maintain emergency water buffer
Under the water management plan, drinking water requirements will be prioritised while planning the use of water from dams and reservoirs.
Water required for drinking purposes will be reserved up to August 31, 2027, after taking evaporation, siltation and unauthorised extraction into account. A 10% additional emergency buffer stock will also be maintained in every reservoir.
In extreme circumstances, water from dead storage may be utilised after a technical assessment.
The government has also directed authorities to curb unauthorised extraction of water from dams, rivers and canals. Joint teams involving the relevant departments will monitor such activity, with unauthorised pumps and equipment liable to seizure.
Industries and farmers face tighter water-use rules
Industries have been mandated to reuse or recycle at least 30% of the water they use.
For agriculture, water will be allocated for irrigation only after meeting drinking water, livestock and fodder requirements. Rabi foodgrain and fodder crops will get priority, followed by other rabi crops.
Water will be allocated to perennial crops only if supplies remain available. The government will also promote water-saving irrigation methods.
Mahajan has appealed to citizens and government agencies to use water judiciously as the state prepares for possible prolonged water stress.
The wider water shortage has already prompted additional contingency measures in Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has said the water reserves in the seven lakes supplying the city could last only until May 17, 2027, and has begun reviving wells as an alternative source.
Maharashtra received 804.4 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 30, around 19% below its seasonal average of 994.5 mm, according to the India Meteorological Department. The southwest monsoon also withdrew from the state earlier than usual this year.