Nashik Mayor Hints at 10% Water Cut; Citywide Shutdown on 24 October for Pipeline Test

Nashik mayor Himgauri Aher said on Friday, 16 October 2026 that a 10% water cut could soon be introduced in the city, in line with state government directions to conserve water so that the available quota lasts until the end of August 2027. The Times of India reported this on 17 October. Her statement is on record; the cut itself is not yet decided.

What the mayor said

• The cut is being considered even though Gangapur dam has adequate storage, because of the drought situation across Maharashtra.
• The issue came up at the last general body meeting. It was then decided to consider a cut after the water treatment plant at Panchavati is finished. That project is now likely to be delayed, so a decision has become necessary.
• A final decision will come after a review with the civic administration. NMC will weigh dam stock, the city's drinking water needs and the extra water needed for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh.
• Aher also defended NMC's request for 8,005 MCFT of reservation, saying enough water must be ensured for the large number of devotees expected. See NMC's 8,005 MCFT request.

Citywide shutdown on 24 October

TOI reports that NMC has announced a citywide water supply shutdown on 24 October to test the newly laid 12-km pipeline from Gangapur dam to the Bara Bungalow water treatment plant. NMC expects to save about 620 million litres that day. A second citywide shutdown is planned after Diwali for another round of testing. TOI does not name the NMC official behind the announcement, so check NMC notices for timings.

Still pending

• The 10% cut: no decision, start date or scope yet.
• The water quota: the meeting chaired by guardian minister Girish Mahajan to finalise allocations is, according to TOI, expected next week. No outcome had been published when we checked on 17 October.

Related: Mukane water plant, Kumbh status board, Kumbh dates.