Maharashtra Water Crisis: Govt Orders 10% Water Cut From October 16 Amid El Niño, Plans Reserves Till August 2027

Mumbai: On the backdrop of reduced rainfall and limited water storage caused by the impact of El Niño, the Maharashtra government has undertaken detailed planning of available water resources up to August 31, 2027. Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan has directed all urban local bodies in the state to implement a minimum 10 per cent water cut from October 16, 2026, as part of measures to deal with a possible drought-like situation.

Drinking Water Gets Top Priority

Mahajan said drinking water would be accorded the highest priority while planning the use of water stored in dams and reservoirs. Water required for drinking purposes will be reserved up to August 31, 2027, taking into account evaporation, siltation and unauthorised extraction. In addition, a 10 per cent emergency buffer stock will be maintained in every dam to meet unforeseen requirements.

The minister said that, if necessary, water from dead storage could also be utilised after technical assessment.

10% Water Cut From October 16

All municipal corporations, municipalities and gram panchayats have been directed to enforce the 10 per cent water cut from October 16 and undertake special drives to check water leakage. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) have also been instructed to operate at full capacity, with treated wastewater to be used for activities such as gardening, construction and washing.

For agriculture, water will be allocated for irrigation only after meeting the requirements of drinking water, livestock and fodder. Priority will be given to rabi foodgrain and fodder crops, followed by other rabi crops. Water-intensive perennial crops will be permitted only if sufficient water remains available. The government will also promote water-saving irrigation methods.

Industries Told To Recycle Water

For industries, the government has made it mandatory to reuse or recycle at least 30 per cent of the water used in industrial operations.

The government has also ordered strict action against unauthorised water extraction from dams, rivers and canals. Joint teams comprising officials from the revenue, police and water resources departments will conduct patrols to prevent illegal extraction. Illegal pumps and other equipment used for unauthorised withdrawal of water will be seized and action will be taken against offenders.

The state has already declared drought in 265 talukas where the ‘Trigger-1’ criteria were applicable during the 2016 kharif season. Mahajan said the Water Resources Department had directed all concerned agencies to use water judiciously and implement stringent conservation measures, particularly in view of the possibility of the El Niño effect continuing into the next year.

Appealing to citizens to cooperate with the administration, Mahajan said the Water Resources, Revenue, Agriculture, Industries and Urban Development departments were working in coordination to tackle the water situation. He said the water position would be reviewed regularly through guardian ministers and canal advisory committees and urged citizens and government agencies to conserve every drop of water to prevent a water crisis in the coming year.

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