The Maharashtra government announced a 10% water cut in urban areas from October 16 due to reduced monsoon rainfall caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
On Monday, the Maharashtra government announced a minimum 10% water cut in all urban areas starting from October 16. The decision was made due to a 'significant decrease in rainfall' attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
The El Niño, which involves warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific, typically occurs every few years and has been linked to reduced monsoon rainfall in India. In September, the Maharashtra government declared drought conditions in 74% of the state’s subdistricts due to a deficit in rainfall during the southwest monsoon season.
State Minister of Water Resources Girish Mahajan said that directives have been issued for extreme frugality in water use and stringent measures implementation, with priority given to ensuring drinking water availability. The new water strategy will be in effect until August 31, 2023, as the El Niño effects are expected to persist into the coming year.
The state government's plan also includes curbing water leakage and operating sewage treatment plants at full capacity. Water for irrigation will only be allocated after meeting the requirements for drinking water, livestock, and fodder.
Source:
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