India, Oct. 6 -- With Maharashtra in the grip of drought-like conditions, the state government has ordered a minimum 10% water cut across the state from October 16. All urban and rural local bodies have been told to effect the cut, while industries have been instructed to recycle at least 30% of the water used by them.

The decision was announced by state water resources minister Girish Mahajan on Monday as average water availability in the state's dams stood at just 75.25% at the end of the four-month monsoon period, against 88.82% during the same period last year.

Monday's announcement follows last week's meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on drought-related measures, which had suggested the impending 10% water cut. "The water resour...