Mumbai: In view of the widespread drought and the El Nino factor likely to stretch into next year, water resources department has directed rural and urban local bodies including municipal corporations to impose a 10% cut on water consumption by October 16. The supply should be increased depending on water supply till August 31, 2027, it said.In a govt resolution issued on Monday, it also directed that 10% of the fresh water bodies of each major reservoir should be kept aside as an emergency reserve.“Drinking water will be the main priority. Water will be released for irrigation only after meeting drinking water, livestock and fodder requirements,” said water resources minister Girish Mahajan. The measures have been announced with a view to preserving available water till August 31, 2027.Industries have been asked to develop facilities to reuse or recycle 30% of their total water consumption.Treated waste-water should be used for public gardens, orchards, allotments and other green areas. Also, for construction, industrial processes, washing, green areas, gardens and other non-potable uses, the GR says.If any water remains surplus, then rabi season paddy cultivation should get priority. After that, other seasonal crops will be considered and lastly, perennial crops, the GR says.A special campaign should be launched to stop illegal water extraction from reservoirs, canals, rivers, lakes and other water sources. Joint teams of Revenue, Police, and Water Resources officials should organise regular inspections and patrols. Unauthorised vehicles, pipelines, pumps and other equipment should be seized and strict action should be taken.In reservoirs where the available fresh water reserves have been exhausted or are insufficient, the possibility of using the dead water reserves for fresh water should be examined. While using dead water reserves, the structural safety of the land, the technical feasibility of irrigation and other technical aspects should be considered, the GR says.For major projects whose scope of work is in more than one district, the water utilisation plan should be finalised by Canal Advisory Committee under the chairmanship of water resources minister.For other major, medium and small projects, the water utilisation plan should be finalised by Monitoring Committee under the chairmanship of guardian minister, it said.
