Maharashtra to cut water supply by 10% from October 16 amid rainfall deficit, El Niño concerns

The Maharashtra government on Monday announced a minimum 10% water cut in all urban areas from October 16, citing a “significant decrease in rainfall” caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon.

The El Niño weather phenomenon involves the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific. It typically occurs every few years and has been linked to reduced monsoon rainfall in India.

In September, the Maharashtra government had declared drought conditions in 74% of the state’s subdistricts amid a deficit in rainfall during the southwest monsoon season.

On Monday, state Minister of Water Resources Girish Mahajan said that the department has issued directives to use water with “extreme frugality and implement stringent measures”. He added that top priority has been given to ensure preventing any shortage of drinking water.

The new water strategy will be in force until August 31, 2027, said Mahajan, adding that effects of the El Niño are likely to last into the coming year.

The state government’s plan also outlines the need to curb water leakage and ensure that sewage treatment plants are operated at full capacity.

Water for irrigation will be allocated only after meeting the requirements for drinking water, livestock and fodder, according to the plan.

The measures come against the backdrop of a deficient southwest monsoon across the country. The...

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