Maharashtra announces minimum 10% water cut from 16 Oct:State cites deficient monsoon; dam stocks planned through August 2027

The Maharashtra government has announced a minimum 10% water cut across all urban and rural local bodies from October 16, citing a deficient monsoon and concerns over water availability. The state has also begun long-term planning of its reservoirs amid the potential impact of El Niño and the risk of a drought-like situation. Water reserves planned through August 2027 Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said his department had carried out detailed dam-wise and use-wise planning of available water stocks up to August 31, 2027. “Drinking water will be given the highest priority. All municipal corporations, municipalities and gram panchayats have been directed to implement a 10 per cent water cut from October 16,” Mahajan said in a statement. The government has directed local authorities to ensure that water earmarked for drinking remains protected through the planned period. An additional 10% emergency buffer stock will be maintained in every dam. The state will account for evaporation, silt and unauthorised extraction while calculating drinking-water reserves. Irrigation releases will be considered only after requirements for drinking water, livestock and fodder have been met. Recycled wastewater to be used Alongside the water cuts, local bodies have been asked to step up efforts to conserve existing supplies. Special drives will be conducted to detect and prevent water leakage, while sewage treatment plants will be operated at full capacity. The treated wastewater will subsequently be diverted for non-potable uses, including gardening, construction and washing. Industries have also been instructed to reuse or recycle at least 30% of the water they consume, as part of the state’s conservation measures. Rabi crops get priority The government has also laid down an order of priority for agricultural water use. Rabi foodgrains and fodder will receive the highest priority, followed by other Rabi crops. Water will be allowed for perennial crops only if supplies remain available after meeting the more essential requirements. The approach is aimed at balancing drinking-water security with the needs of agriculture and livestock during a period of potentially constrained availability. Crackdown on illegal water extraction The state also plans stricter action against unauthorised withdrawal of water from dams, rivers and canals. The Water Resources Department will coordinate with the Revenue and Police departments to curb illegal extraction. Joint teams will patrol vulnerable locations, and unauthorised pumps and other equipment used to draw water illegally will be seized. The move comes as the government seeks to prevent available stocks from being depleted through unauthorised use. Government urges judicious use Mahajan appealed to both citizens and government agencies to use water carefully as the state prepares for the possibility of prolonged shortages. The Water Resources, Revenue, Agriculture, Industries and Urban Development departments are working together to manage the situation, he said. The government’s planning extends well beyond the immediate water cut, with reservoir stocks being assessed until August 31, 2027. The measures reflect the state’s attempt to secure drinking water supplies while managing competing demands from agriculture, industry and other sectors if deficient rainfall translates into tighter water availability.