India, Sept. 20 -- With drinking water shortages looming in parts of Maharashtra next summer, the state government has begun preparations months in advance, directing district administrations to identify vulnerable villages, strengthen existing water sources and treat water tankers as a last resort.

"Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA) shall identify villages and hamlets likely to face drinking water shortages by assessing rainfall patterns and groundwater levels and submit the list to district collectors by October. The collectors have been directed to approve scarcity action plans only for areas where such interventions are actually required," stated a circular issued by the state water and soil conservation department on...