Mumbai Rains: 3 Major Lakes Await Heavy August Showers To Fill Up

At present, approximately 600 to 700 millimetres of rain is required in the catchment areas of the Mumbai's three major lakes to maintain comfortable water levels, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials stated.

In August, the rate of increased water stock in the lakes decreased due to reduced rainfall. Due to limited rainfall in the month of August, the rise in the catchment has been minimal. However, there is hope that the area will receive substantial rain this week this year.

It is pertinent to note that the current water stock is lower than the past two years.

As on Friday morning, August 25, the water stock stands at 12.40 lakh million litres, which is 85.64 per cent of capacity. On the same date last year, the water stock was 14.05 lakh million litres, equivalent to 97.02 per cent, and in 2021, it was 12.73 lakh million litres, which was 87.96 per cent.

According to BMC data, four out of the seven lakes (Tulsi, Tansa, Vihar, and Modak Sagar) overflowed in July. The other three major lakes—Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, and Bhatsa—require more rainfall to maintain consistent water levels.

Officials exclaimed that although the amount of rain was sufficient in July, it decreased in August. Even though the current water stock of 85.64 per cent provides relief compared to the situation in June, it is essential to achieve 100 per cent water storage by the end of September.

Meanwhile, based on BMC records, the three major lake catchment areas that supply 75 per cent of the city's daily water needs require 2,600 to 2,700 millimetres of rain. The city receives a water supply of 3,850 million litres, with 2,977 million litres sourced from Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, and Middle Vaitarna.

Current stock in lakes on August 25

Bhatsa: 717037 million litres (81.55%), rainfall 1,932 mm

Tansa: 145080 million litres (99.46%), rainfall 2151 mm

Upper Vaitarna: 227047 million litres (74.02%), rainfall 1,880 mm

Middle Vaitarna: 193530 million litres (95.70%), rainfall 1,812 mm

Modak Sagar: 128925 million litres (94.28%), rainfall 2,551 mm

Tulsi: 8046 million litres (99.15%), rainfall 3,404 mm

Vihar: 27698 million litres (100%), rainfall 2,451 mm

Total Capacity: 12.40 billion litres (85.64% full)