Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 8: The Maharashtra government has ordered a minimum 10 per cent water cut across all urban and rural local bodies from October 16 amid deficient rainfall, limited water availability and concerns over the possible continuation of El Nino conditions.
State Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said the department has prepared a detailed dam-wise and use-wise water management plan up to August 31, 2027, with drinking water accorded the highest priority.
The state had declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas across 32 districts on September 26, accounting for about 74 per cent of the state's talukas. The Centre has constituted an inter-ministerial team to assess the situation and recommend relief and rehabilitation measures.
Under the water management plan, drinking water requirements will be reserved up to August 31, 2027, after taking evaporation, siltation and unauthorised extraction into account. A 10 per cent additional emergency buffer stock will be maintained in every dam to deal with possible future shortages. In extreme circumstances, water from the dead storage of a reservoir may also be used after technical assessment.
All municipal corporations, municipalities and gram panchayats have been directed to implement the minimum 10 per cent water cut from October 16. Local bodies have also been instructed to conduct special drives to identify and prevent water leakages.
Sewage treatment plants have been directed to operate at full capacity, with treated wastewater to be used for gardening, construction and washing instead of fresh water. The government has also asked industries to reuse or recycle at least 30 per cent of the water they consume.
Mahajan said water would be released for irrigation only after meeting drinking water, livestock and fodder requirements. Rabi foodgrain and fodder crops will receive priority, followed by other rabi crops, while water will be allocated to perennial crops only if supplies remain available. The government will also encourage water-saving irrigation methods.
The Water Resources Department will coordinate with the Revenue and Police departments to prevent unauthorised withdrawal of water from dams, rivers and canals. Joint teams will monitor illegal extraction and take action against those found violating the restrictions.
The government has appealed to citizens and all agencies to conserve water and use available supplies judiciously. The measures have been introduced amid concerns over deficient monsoon rainfall, depleted water reserves and the possible impact of El Nino on water availability through the coming year.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sought financial assistance from the Centre to deal with the drought. A Central inter-ministerial team led by Agriculture Department Joint Secretary Muktanand Agrawal is visiting drought-affected areas from October 8 to 11 to assess crop damage, the severity of the situation and relief requirements. The team will make recommendations for assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund and other measures.