The Maharashtra government has directed officials to restore defunct water supply schemes within 15 days and make water tankers the last resort in addressing drinking water shortages amid drought conditions. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has also called for special standard operating procedures (SOPs) for water management and fodder availability.

Bawankule, who chairs the Cabinet subcommittee on drought mitigation measures, issued the directives during a high-level meeting at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai on Wednesday. All 11 members of the subcommittee and senior administrative officials attended the meeting.