Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 6: The Maharashtra government has announced a minimum 10 per cent water cut across urban and rural local bodies from October 16 amid deficient monsoon rainfall and concerns over water availability.
State Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said the department had undertaken detailed dam-wise and use-wise planning of available water stocks up to August 31, 2027, taking into account the impact of El Nino and the possibility of a drought-like situation.
"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 bodies to undertake special drives to prevent water leakage and ensure sewage treatment plants operate at full capacity. Treated wastewater will be used for activities such as gardening, construction and washing, according to the statement.
Industries have also been directed to reuse or recycle at least 30 per cent of the water they consume.
Mahajan said an additional emergency buffer stock equivalent to 10 per cent would be maintained in every dam. Water required for drinking purposes will be reserved until August 31, 2027, after accounting for evaporation, silt and unauthorised extraction.
Water will be released for irrigation only after drinking water requirements and the needs of livestock and fodder are met, he said.
The government has urged citizens and government agencies to use water judiciously. The Water Resources, Revenue, Agriculture, Industries and Urban Development departments are coordinating efforts to manage the situation.
For the Rabi season, foodgrains and fodder will receive priority, followed by other Rabi crops. Irrigation for perennial crops will be permitted only if adequate water remains available.
The Water Resources Department will work with revenue and police authorities to curb unauthorised extraction of water from dams, rivers and canals. Joint teams will patrol vulnerable areas, while illegal pumps and other equipment used for unauthorised extraction will be seized.
The directions apply to water management in both urban and rural areas, with the state planning to retain an emergency buffer in each dam. Irrigation releases will also remain restricted until essential drinking water and livestock requirements are secured.
The measures come amid concerns over Maharashtra's water availability following deficient monsoon rainfall and the possible impact of El Nino on the state's water resources.