Maharashtra Orders Early Water‑Scarcity Planning, Limits Tanker Use to Last Resort

Maharashtra's water resources department has issued a directive to start early planning for potential water scarcity before the upcoming monsoon, citing recent shortfalls in reservoir levels. The order stresses that water tankers, traditionally used during droughts, should now be treated as a last‑resort measure, with priority given to conservation, groundwater recharge and inter‑state water sharing. Officials said the plan will involve detailed assessment of reservoir capacities, demand‑side management and close coordination with municipal bodies such as the Mumbai civic authority. The move aims to curb reliance on costly tanker deliveries and ensure a more sustainable water supply as several districts have recorded below‑average rainfall in the previous season.