Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Maharashtra Orders Minimum 10% Water Cuts From October 16
Maharashtra has had a weak monsoon, so the government is asking people and organizations to save water.
From October 16, cities, towns and village councils must reduce water supply by at least 10%.
Officials have planned how dam water will be used through August 31, 2027.
Drinking water will come first, and each dam will keep an extra 10% as an emergency reserve.
Water for farms will be released only after drinking, livestock and fodder needs are met.
Local bodies must work to stop leaks and run sewage treatment plants fully.
Treated wastewater can be used for gardening, construction and washing.
Industries must reuse or recycle at least 30% of the water they use.
In Pune, a civic official said weekly cuts were likely, but the city body was awaiting a state directive.
Maharashtra has ordered municipal corporations, municipalities and gram panchayats to cut water supply by at least 10% from October 16.
The state cited a deficient monsoon, possible El Niño effects and the risk of drought-like conditions.
Officials have planned dam-wise water use through August 31, 2027, prioritizing drinking water and keeping an extra 10% emergency buffer in each dam.
Local bodies must tackle leaks and run sewage treatment plants at full capacity; treated wastewater is to be used for gardening, construction and washing.
Industries must reuse or recycle at least 30% of their water, while irrigation and crop allocations depend on drinking, livestock and fodder needs.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government, with Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan announcing the plan; local bodies and industries are also directed to act.
- What
- A minimum 10% water-supply cut, alongside water-conservation and allocation measures.
- When
- The cut begins October 16; water planning extends through August 31, 2027.
- Where
- Urban and rural local bodies across Maharashtra, including municipal corporations, municipalities and gram panchayats.
- Why
- The government cited a deficient monsoon, possible El Niño effects and the risk of drought-like conditions.
- Water cut
- At least 10% from October 16
- Planning horizon
- Dam-wise and use-wise planning through August 31, 2027
- Emergency reserve
- An additional 10% buffer stock in each dam
- Water priority
- Drinking water is prioritized; irrigation releases follow drinking, livestock and fodder needs
- Industrial requirement
- Reuse or recycle at least 30% of water used
- Wastewater use
- Treated wastewater is intended for gardening, construction and washing
- Pune status
- A civic official said weekly cuts were likely; the Pune Municipal Corporation was awaiting a state directive
Sources
Maharashtra To Impose 10% Water Cut From October 16 Amid Drought-Like Situation Fears
Pune water cuts from October 16? Civic body awaits state directive
Maharashtra to impose 10% water cut from Oct 16
Tackling drought: Minimum 10 pc water cut in Maharashtra urban, rural local bodies from Oct 16
Weak monsoon prompts Maharashtra to cut urban, rural water supply by 10% from October 16
Minimum 10% water cut in Maharashtra from October 16 amid drought, El Nino concerns
