Stories
Maharashtra Weather: Rain Expected Amid Heat, 10% Water Cut Looms
- •A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and a fresh Western Disturbance are set to bring light rain and thunderstorms to several Maharashtra districts between October 6 and 7.
- •Mumbai and the Konkan belt face extreme October heat and high humidity, with temperatures expected to rise and potential heatwave alerts next week.
- •Sharp temperature contrasts are being observed across the state, with daytime highs soaring up to 38.4 degrees Celsius while minimums drop below 20 degrees Celsius.
- •The Maharashtra government has announced a mandatory 10 percent water cut across the state starting October 16 due to limited reservoir storage and drought-like conditions.
- •Drinking water will be prioritized under the new management plan, while industries are required to recycle at least 30 percent of consumed water.
Key Questions Answered
Parts of the Konkan belt (including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg), Madhya Maharashtra districts (Nashik, Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, and Ahilyanagar), and Vidarbha are expected to receive light rain accompanied by thunderstorms on October 6 and 7.
Starting October 16, Maharashtra has directed all municipal corporations, municipalities, and gram panchayats to enforce a minimum 10% water cut due to limited water storage and drought conditions. Local bodies must also maintain a 10% emergency buffer stock, use treated wastewater from sewage plants for non-potable tasks, and prioritize drinking water reserves through August 31 next year.
Industries in Maharashtra are required to reuse or recycle a minimum of 30% of the water they consume to help ease pressure on freshwater resources. Additionally, the government plans to deploy joint squads to patrol water bodies and crack down on illegal water extraction.
