Maharashtra will impose a minimum 10 percent water cut on all urban and rural local bodies from October 16 as the state battles a deepening drought. The decision, reported by the Deccan Herald, comes with 265 talukas declared drought-hit and reservoirs running low after a weak monsoon.

The cut will apply to municipal corporations, councils, and village panchayats across the state. Officials said the measure is aimed at stretching available water through the summer months. With El Nino conditions threatening to delay winter and reduce rainfall further, the state is preparing for a long dry spell.

Farmers are among the worst hit, with standing crops damaged in several districts. The government has also been asked to speed up tanker supplies to the worst-affected villages. Water experts say the 10 percent cut is a minimum and stricter curbs could follow if the situation does not improve in the coming weeks. The state cabinet is expected to review the situation after Diwali and decide on further curbs if reservoirs do not recover.