Mumbai, Oct 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) In response to a rainfall deficit attributed to the persistent El Niño phenomenon, the Maharashtra government on Monday announced proactive water conservation measures.
Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state to implement a minimum 10 per cent mandatory water cut with effect from October 16, 2026.
The decision follows micro-level reservoir and consumption planning undertaken by the Water Resources Department, aimed at stretching available water reserves until August 31, 2027.
Drought conditions have already been declared in 265 talukas following the activation of ‘Trigger-1’ during the kharif season.
Minister Mahajan outlined key directives aimed at preventing acute water shortages ahead of the summer season.
“Drinking water remains the highest priority. Water allocation calculations account for evaporation losses, siltation and unauthorised extraction through August 31, 2027,” he said.
He added that a mandatory 10 per cent emergency buffer reserve would be maintained in every dam.
“Dead storage reserves will undergo technical evaluation and be accessed if extreme conditions demand,” he said.
All Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Gram Panchayats have been directed to enforce the 10 per cent reduction from October 16.
Local bodies have also been instructed to launch targeted drives to plug leakages and operate Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at maximum capacity.
Treated wastewater must be reused exclusively for gardening, construction and washing purposes, the Minister said.
Agricultural irrigation will receive the remaining water only after meeting human, livestock and fodder requirements.
Irrigation supply will prioritise winter (rabi) cereal and fodder crops, followed by other rabi crops.
Approval for perennial crops will be granted only if surplus reserves remain available.
Micro-irrigation and water-saving methods will be strongly promoted.
Industrial clusters have been directed to recycle and reuse a minimum of 30 per cent of their total water consumption.
Joint monitoring squads comprising Revenue, Police and Water Resources Department officials will conduct regular patrols along dams, rivers and canals.
Strict legal action will be initiated against offenders, including the immediate seizure of illegal pumps and equipment.
Minister Mahajan urged citizens, industries and local authorities to cooperate closely, stating that strict discipline and conservation of “every single drop” would be critical to overcoming the anticipated dry spell.
Earlier, to support farmers, agricultural labourers and affected rural populations, the state government extended a 12-point relief and concessions package for the 265 affected talukas.
The government announced a full waiver of land revenue for affected farmers, restructuring of existing agricultural loans, and an immediate stay on the recovery of agriculture-related bank loans.
It also announced exemptions and concessions on current electricity bills for agricultural pumps above 7.5 HP capacity, while pumps up to 7.5 HP are already exempt.
Additional measures include a waiver of examination fees for school and college students in affected areas, relaxation of work norms under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to maximise employment generation, and deployment of water tankers wherever drinking water shortages occur.
Further, the government has issued strict directions against disconnecting power supply to agricultural pumps in scarcity-hit villages.
Other measures include implementation of targeted distribution systems to prevent foodgrain shortages among farmers and agricultural labourers, ensuring adequate availability of cattle fodder, immediate execution of water conservation works in affected regions, and comprehensive planning for drinking water and livestock water needs in accordance with government directives.
Source: IANS
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