The drought has affected urban and rural areas alike, with rapidly expanding cities and industrial corridors experiencing heightened pressure on water resources. Groundwater levels are depleting, and reliance on private tankers and borewells is increasing. Untreated wastewater and distribution inefficiencies exacerbate the issue, with major cities like Mumbai losing up to 34% of water through leakage and theft. The crisis poses risks to agriculture, industry, and daily life, particularly in areas with limited access to safe drinking water.