Maharashtra Announces 10% Water Cut from October 16 as Drought Spreads

The Maharashtra government will impose a minimum 10% water cut across urban and rural local bodies from October 16 because of deficient monsoon rainfall and low reservoir storage.

Industries have been directed to reuse or recycle at least 30% of the water they consume. Local bodies have also been asked to use treated wastewater for gardening, construction and washing instead of fresh water.

The state declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas, covering around 74% of Maharashtra. The government has prepared a dam-wise and usage-wise water-management plan up to August 31, 2027.

Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said authorities would maintain an additional 10% emergency reserve in every dam. Drinking water will receive priority, followed by the needs of livestock and fodder. Water will be released for irrigation only after these requirements are met.

Officials have also been instructed to control leakages, prevent unauthorised water extraction and account for evaporation and silt while estimating available supplies. A central government team will assess drought conditions across 32 districts and recommend relief and rehabilitation measures for affected farmers.