Mumbai, Oct 206 : The Maharashtra government has announced a minimum 10 per cent water cut across urban and rural local bodies from October 16, citing deficient monsoon rainfall and concerns over water availability in the 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, while factoring in the possible impact of El Nino and the risk 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 also directed local bodies to undertake special drives to prevent water leakage and ensure that sewage treatment plants operate at full capacity. Treated wastewater will be utilised for non-potable activities such as gardening, construction and washing, the statement said.
Industries have been asked to reuse or recycle at least 30 per cent of the water they consume as part of efforts to reduce pressure on available water resources.
Mahajan said every dam would maintain an additional emergency buffer stock equivalent to 10 per cent. Drinking water requirements will be reserved until August 31, 2027, after accounting for factors including evaporation, silt accumulation and unauthorised extraction.
He said water would be released for irrigation only after drinking water requirements as well as the needs of livestock and fodder were secured.
The government has appealed to citizens, local bodies and government departments to use water judiciously and avoid wastage. The Water Resources, Revenue, Agriculture, Industries and Urban Development departments are coordinating measures to manage the available stocks and ensure essential supplies.
For the upcoming Rabi season, foodgrains and fodder will be given priority for irrigation, followed by other Rabi crops. Irrigation for perennial crops will be permitted only if sufficient water remains available after meeting essential requirements.
The Water Resources Department will coordinate with revenue and police authorities to prevent unauthorised extraction of water from dams, rivers and canals. Joint teams will patrol vulnerable areas and take action against illegal extraction.
Officials have been directed to seize unauthorised pumps and other equipment used for illegally drawing water from water bodies and irrigation systems.
The new restrictions will apply to water management in both urban and rural areas. The state government has stressed that drinking water security will remain the primary consideration while deciding on water releases for other purposes.
The measures come amid concerns over Maharashtra’s water availability following deficient monsoon rainfall. The government is also taking into account the possible impact of El Nino on rainfall patterns and water resources.
With water stocks being planned through August 2027, the government has emphasised conservation, recycling, prevention of leakage and strict action against unauthorised extraction to ensure adequate supplies for drinking, livestock, agriculture and other essential needs.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
