Maharashtra Mandates 10 Percent Water Cut Amid Drought

The Government of Maharashtra will impose a minimum 10 percent water supply reduction across all urban and rural local bodies, including municipal corporations and gram panchayats, beginning October 16, 2026. The measure responds to a deficient monsoon and drought concerns linked to El Niño, with the state already declaring drought in 265 talukas.

State Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan announced a comprehensive water management plan extending to August 31, 2027. The strategy prioritizes drinking water above all other needs, followed by livestock, fodder, and irrigation, with a specific focus on Rabi foodgrains. To preserve reserves, the government mandated that every dam maintain a 10 percent emergency buffer stock.

Conservation requirements include a mandate for industries to recycle or reuse at least 30 percent of their water consumption. Local bodies must fix leakages and utilize treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants for gardening, construction, and washing. To prevent illegal depletion, joint patrol teams from the water resources, revenue, and police departments will monitor rivers and dams to seize equipment used for unauthorized water extraction.