Maharashtra will impose a minimum 10% cut in water supply across urban and rural local bodies from October 16, citing a deficient monsoon and El Nino risks.

State Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said dam-wise and use-wise planning of water stocks has been done up to August 31, 2027. An additional 10% emergency buffer will be kept in every dam.

“Drinking water will be given the highest priority,” Mahajan said. All municipal corporations, municipalities and gram panchayats have been told to implement the cut.

Industries must reuse or recycle at least 30% of the water they use. Local bodies must fix leaks and run sewage treatment plants at full capacity, with treated water used for gardening, construction and washing.

Water for irrigation will be released only after drinking water, livestock and fodder needs are met. The Pune Municipal Corporation said it has not yet received the order and will decide after it arrives. Maharashtra’s weak monsoon has raised drought concerns across the state.