Maharashtra ordered a minimum 10% water cut across all urban local bodies from 16 October 2026. The measure applies to municipal corporations, municipalities and gram panchayats in the state.
Water management and reservoir planning
The Water Resources Department has planned water use up to 31 August 2027. Drinking water has been placed at the highest priority in the allocation plan. A 10% additional emergency buffer stock will be maintained in every reservoir.
Water planning in the state takes account of evaporation, siltation and unauthorised extraction from dams and reservoirs. In extreme circumstances, water from dead storage may be used after a technical assessment.
Drought declaration and El Niño context
The state declared drought in 265 talukas after applying the Trigger-1 criterion during the 2026 kharif season. The decision on water restriction was linked to reduced rainfall and limited water availability during El Niño conditions.
Authorities have been directed to use water judiciously and apply conservation measures. The planning framework also considers the possibility of El Niño continuing into the next year.
Sector-wise water use rules
Industries have been mandated to reuse or recycle at least 30% of the water they use. Sewage treatment plants are to operate at full capacity, and treated wastewater is to be used for gardens, construction and washing purposes.
For agriculture, water will be allocated only after drinking water, livestock and fodder requirements are met. Rabi foodgrain and fodder crops will receive priority, followed by other rabi crops and perennial crops if supplies remain available.
Important Facts for Exams
- El Niño is a periodic warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
- Trigger-1 is a drought assessment criterion used in Maharashtra’s drought monitoring framework.
- Taluka is an administrative unit below the district level in India.
- Reservoir buffer stock is kept for emergency water supply during shortages.
Girish Mahajan is the Water Resources Minister of Maharashtra. The state order covers urban local bodies and rural local bodies from 16 October 2026.
