Maharashtra is considering a 10 per cent reduction in urban water supply and restrictions on construction in water-scarce areas as the state responds to worsening drought conditions and an 18 per cent rainfall deficit this monsoon, The Indian Express reported.
The proposals were discussed at the first meeting of the state Cabinet sub-committee on drought mitigation on Tuesday, a week after the government declared drought in 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 tehsils. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the Water Resources Department had been asked to examine the feasibility of reducing urban water supply. A decision is expected soon.
“Water scarcity is a reality. A decision on water cuts will be taken soon,” Bawankule said, according to the report.
The proposed restrictions could affect urban water distribution as well as construction activity in areas facing shortages. Environment Minister Pankaja Munde directed officials to halt construction of individual and commercial buildings in water-scarce areas. Authorities were also asked to avoid works such as cement roads and other projects that could lead to unnecessary water consumption.
The state has prioritised drinking water and cattle fodder in drought-hit areas. Village ponds and percolation tanks will be reserved for drinking water, while the stated order of allocation is drinking water first, followed by fodder crops, Rabi crops and sugarcane.
The government is also reconsidering the drought status of 10 to 15 talukas that did not meet the prescribed Trigger-1 threshold. Officials have been asked to re-examine physical ground reports and other assessment criteria. Chandwad, Mudkhed and parts of Chandrapur, Bhandara and Gondia are among the areas being considered.
At the district level, war rooms will be established under the direct supervision of District Collectors to coordinate relief measures. Talathis, Gram Sevaks and Agriculture Officers have been asked to remain in their respective areas, while the government is examining whether recovery of agriculture loans can be suspended. Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has been asked to check with the Reserve Bank of India whether a circular could be issued on the matter.
District Collectors have also been instructed to make greater use of corporate social responsibility funds for drought-related works. Farmers are to receive assistance, and their signatures are to be obtained on crop damage assessment reports.
Alongside the water and farm relief measures, the state has allocated Rs 6,728 crore under the employment guarantee programme, VB-G RAM G. Employment Guarantee Minister Bharat Gogawale said the money would support works intended to generate rural employment and strengthen water conservation, agriculture-related facilities and rural infrastructure. The government has identified 375 types of works under the programme.
A three-member committee of secretaries will examine the emerging fodder shortage and study fodder management measures adopted by states such as Rajasthan. It will work on arrangements to ensure supplies for livestock over the next three to four months.
The proposed urban water cut remains under examination by the Water Resources Department. The state government is expected to announce its decision after the feasibility assessment, while drought-related relief and coordination measures are to be implemented through district administrations.
