To counter the drought situation and the potential threat of El Niño, the Maharashtra government has taken strict measures to limit water supply across the state. The water rationing directive will be effective from October 16. The government has been forced to take this decision due to the recent climate situation and the low water levels following the monsoon.
Several regions of the state are already facing severe drought and water scarcity. Due to the low amount of rainfall in the recent past, the water levels in the reservoirs have dropped significantly. In such a context, experts have expressed fears that the impact of El Niño could make the situation even more complex. Preventing water wastage and proper management of available water has become essential for the present.
According to government sources, this water rationing will affect drinking water and irrigation systems in both urban and rural areas. The administration has repeatedly appealed to the general public to use water sparingly. It has been feared that if water is not distributed in a planned manner during this complex time of water crisis, the situation could go out of control.
Although the concerned departments have taken alternative measures to deal with this water crisis, sufficient rainfall or fresh inflow of water into the reservoirs is essential for real relief. The administration has stated that a close watch will be kept on the situation in the coming days.