NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra government has directed all municipal corporations, municipalities, and gram panchayats to impose a minimum 10 percent water cut from October 16, citing water storage, drought-like conditions, and the possibility of El Niño-related water stress extending into next year. Local bodies have also been asked to undertake special drives to identify and stop water leakage.
Besides, sewage treatment plants have to be operated at full capacity. The government has local bodies to ensure that instead of fresh water, treated wastewater should be used for gardening, construction and washing.
Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said the department had prepared a reservoir-wise and use-wise water management plan up to August 31, 2027, with drinking water given the highest priority. The government has asked all agencies to use water carefully and take measures to conserve available supplies.
Under the plan, water needed for drinking purposes will first be reserved in dams and reservoirs up to August 31 next year. The department said it would take into account evaporation, siltation and unauthorised water extraction while calculating the available supply.
A 10 percent emergency buffer stock will be maintained in every reservoir to deal with uncertain rainfall and water situation. In an extreme situation, water from the dead storage of a reservoir may also be used after a technical assessment, the government said.
Priority order
The department has also laid down a priority order for agricultural use. Water will be released for agriculture only after meeting the drinking water, livestock and fodder requirements.
For irrigation, the priority will be rabi foodgrain and fodder crops, followed by other rabi crops. Water will be made available to perennial crops only if supplies remain after meeting these requirements. The government has also said it will encourage watersaving irrigation methods.
SQUADS TO MONITOR
As two-thirds of Maharashtra is reeling under drought-like conditions, the government will form joint squads to patrol dams, rivers and canals and prevent unauthorised water extraction.
The squads will take action against those drawing water illegally.
The water availability will be reviewed regularly through guardian ministers and canal advisory committees, Minister Girish Mahajan said.
