Maharashtra Government Mandates Water Cuts and Reuse Rules in Mumbai Amid Drought

Due to widespread drought conditions linked to the El Nino factor, Girish Mahajan, the Water Resources Minister, announced a new water management policy for Mumbai on October 1, 2026. The government resolution directed that local bodies, including municipal corporations, impose a 10% cut on water consumption by October 16. This policy prioritizes drinking water, livestock, and fodder before releasing water for irrigation.

The policy requires that 10% of each major reservoir's fresh water bodies be kept as an emergency reserve. Furthermore, industries have been directed to develop facilities to reuse or recycle 30% of their total water consumption. This management strategy is designed to preserve available water until August 31, 2027.