India, May 12 -- The BMC has officially announced a 10% water cut across Mumbai and other places, including Thane, Bhiwandi-Nizampur and nearby villages that get water from the civic body. The cut, which begins on Friday, is a precautionary measure in view of the declining water levels in reservoirs, and the restriction will remain in force until reservoir levels improve following satisfactory rainfall.

Although civic chief Ashwini Bhide had already announced it on April 28, the decision was taken on Monday following directives from the Maharashtra Water Resources Department and in light of forecasts by the Indian Meteorological Department warning of below-normal monsoon conditions this year due to the possible impact of El Nino and the ...