The Maharashtra government is considering a 10% reduction in urban water supply as the state faces worse water scarcity due to deficient rainfall during the 2026 monsoon.
The proposal was discussed at the first meeting of the state Cabinet sub-committee on drought mitigation on September 29, 2026. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the Water Resources Department had been asked to examine whether a 10% reduction in urban water supply could be implemented.
Bawankule said a decision on water cuts would be taken soon.
It is of course worth noting that the 10% cut is not implemented statewide.
Construction Restrictions Also Proposed
The government is also mulling temporary restrictions on construction in areas that are in water shortages.
Environment Minister Pankaja Munde told officials to consider stopping permissions for individual and commercial buildings in water-scarce areas. The authorities have also been told not to develop projects that can consume significant quantities of water.
The measures aim to ensure that less water is used to supply the basic drinking water and the necessary water is prioritised.
Drought Declared in 265 Talukas
The proposals come days after Maharashtra officially declared drought in 265 of the 358 talukas of the state, about three-fourths of the state.
According to government figures obtained by The Indian Express, Maharashtra had an 18% rainfall deficit from June 1 to September 26. Marathwada and Vidarbha were among the regions most affected by the rainfall shortage.
The drought declaration is expected to trigger actions such as crop-loss assessments, agricultural loan restructuring, land revenue recovery and other relief for affected areas.
Drinking Water Gets Priority
There would be the highest priority for drinking water under the proposed water-management system.
In terms of allocation, officials have been directed to prioritise drinking water, fodder crops, Rabi crops and sugarcane when they allocate available water. Village ponds and percolation tanks are also to be provided for only drinking water.
And this is something the government is now reviewing in preparation for the possibility of water shortages going on for a long time.
₹6,728 Crore Employment Push
Maharashtra also announced plans to use its employment guarantee programme for drought-affected rural communities on top of water conservation measures.
The state has allocated ₹6,728 crore under its employment guarantee programme for employment generation and rural infrastructure works. Projects will include water conservation, agriculture-related facilities and other rural development activities.
The government is also looking into measures to meet agricultural loan recovery and fodder availability.
Mumbai already has a 10% water cut
The proposed statewide urban measure should not be confused with Mumbai's existing 10% water cut.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has already maintained a 10% cut in Mumbai since May 2026 because of concerns over water availability. On September 30, the BMC said the city's seven main water-supply lakes had enough stock only until May 17, 2027, under its current assessment.
