Nagpur Faces 10% Water Cut as Maharashtra Reserves 10% Emergency Supply

Nagpur may face a daily water-supply reduction of up to 74 million liters from October 16 after Maharashtra announced a minimum 10% water cut for all urban local bodies amid declining water availability.

Nagpur currently receives around 740 MLD—520 MLD from the Pench system and 220 MLD from the Kanhan system. A 10% reduction would lower daily supply by approximately 74 MLD.

The state has reserved 259 million cubic meters for Nagpur’s drinking-water needs until August 31, 2027. Drinking water will receive the highest priority, followed by industrial requirements and agriculture.

Authorities will also maintain a separate 10% emergency reserve for drinking water. Reservoir planning will account for evaporation, siltation, live storage and the actual availability of water in each dam.

Industries have been asked to recycle or reuse at least 30% of the water that can be recovered. Local bodies must reduce consumption by 10%, control leakages and operate sewage-treatment plants at full capacity.

Agricultural allocation will prioritize seed production, rabi fodder crops and rabi irrigation. Seasonal and perennial crops will receive water only after higher-priority needs are met.

A district-level committee headed by the guardian minister will approve dam-wise water-utilization plans. The directives will remain in force until August 31, 2027, unless revised earlier.