Maharashtra orders 10% water reduction for all local bodies starting Oct. 16

Maharashtra's cabinet has mandated a minimum 10% water cut for every urban and rural local body effective Oct. 16, citing an inadequate monsoon and the threat of El Nino-related drought. Girish Mahajan, the state's Water Resources Minister, said the department has mapped dam and usage data up to Aug. 31, 2027, to prioritize drinking water above all else. Municipal corporations, municipalities and gram panchayats must implement the reduction and launch campaigns to stop leaks, while sewage treatment plants should operate at full capacity and their effluent be reused for gardening, construction and cleaning.

Industries are required to reuse or recycle at least 30% of their water consumption. The government will also maintain an extra 10% emergency buffer in each dam and restrict irrigation releases until drinking, livestock and fodder needs are met, with joint patrols planned to stop illegal water extraction.