Concerns are being raised over the growing accumulation of silt in Mumbai’s water-supplying dams, which could be reducing their overall storage capacity.
Corporators in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation have called for a detailed scientific survey and a planned desilting drive across these reservoirs. They believe that years of silt build-up may be limiting the dams’ ability to hold adequate water, especially ahead of peak summer demand.
Mumbai depends entirely on seven lakes for its daily water supply. Any reduction in their capacity could directly impact water availability for the city’s population.
Civic officials, however, have stated that the current impact on storage is minimal. Despite this, elected representatives are urging preventive action, warning that factors like rising temperatures and rapid urbanisation could worsen the situation in the future.
The demand now is for a time-bound desilting plan to ensure that Mumbai’s water reserves remain sufficient and sustainable.