Maharashtra Orders 10% Water Cut as Monsoon Deficit Raises Scarcity Concerns
Maharashtra will impose a minimum 10% water cut from October 16 as deficient monsoon rainfall puts pressure on reservoirs, while Gujarat and Karnataka also face uneven water stress.
Maharashtra will impose a minimum 10% water cut across urban and rural local bodies from October 16 after a deficient monsoon raised concerns over water availability. The state has also ordered measures to preserve supplies through the next year.
Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said drinking water will receive the highest priority. Authorities have been told to prevent leakages, maintain a 10% emergency reservoir buffer and use treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes. Industries must reuse or recycle at least 30% of their water consumption.
The pressure extends beyond Maharashtra. Karnataka has sought Rs 7,142.64 crore in drought relief from the Centre after 217 of its 240 taluks were identified as drought-affected, with 177 officially declared drought-hit.
Gujarat presents a mixed picture. Its Sardar Sarovar Dam reached its full reservoir level of 138.68 metres on September 30, but the state still faces significant regional water deficits, particularly in Kutch and Saurashtra.
El Niño can influence India's rainfall patterns, but it is not the only factor determining monsoon performance. For farmers and households, however, the message is simpler: when the rains leave, the water bill can stay behind.
