Nagpur Faces 10% Water Supply Cut Amid Scarcity Concerns
As Maharashtra grapples with dwindling water resources, a new allocation plan prioritizes drinking water and mandates a 10% cut across urban areas.
Nagpur's water supply will be reduced by 74 MLD due to a 10% cut starting October 16.
Drinking water is prioritized, with 259 million cubic meters reserved until August 2027.
A district-level committee will oversee the implementation of dam-wise water allocation plans.
Nagpur is set to experience a significant reduction in water supply as the Maharashtra government implements a 10% cut across all urban local bodies starting October 16. This decision comes in response to severe water scarcity exacerbated by insufficient rainfall and the effects of El Niño. The new allocation plan is designed to prioritize drinking water, followed by industrial and agricultural needs, and will remain in effect until August 2027.
The chief engineer of the Water Resources Department (WRD) in Nagpur, Sonali Chopade, emphasized that drinking water will take precedence in the allocation process. A total of 259 million cubic meters has already been earmarked for drinking water requirements from the reservoirs supplying Nagpur. Officials will first allocate the necessary amount for drinking water, accounting for unavoidable evaporation losses and siltation, before considering water for other uses.
In addition to the drinking water allocation, the government has mandated that local bodies maintain a 10% reserve of available water for emergency situations. This reserve will be exclusively for drinking water needs in case of unforeseen circumstances. Industries have been instructed to enhance water recycling efforts, aiming to reuse at least 30% of their water to lessen reliance on fresh supplies from reservoirs.
The allocation strategy for agriculture will follow a strict hierarchy, prioritizing seed production and rabi fodder crops before addressing irrigation for seasonal and perennial crops. This structured approach means that Nagpur's reservoirs will not be viewed as a shared resource but will be managed based on specific assessments of each dam's capacity and requirements.
A district-level committee, led by the guardian minister, will oversee the planning and implementation of these directives. The committee will include key officials such as the collector and municipal commissioner, ensuring that dam-wise plans are approved before execution. These measures aim to secure adequate drinking water for Nagpur residents while promoting conservation and efficient water use across all sectors until the end of August 2027.
