Water scarcity concerns have risen in Mumbai as the city's seven lakes face their lowest water stock in the past three years, with the overall water level currently at a meagre 16.8%. This decline is starkly evident when compared to water level of previous years. The water level on May of last year stood at 21.24%, and at 17.06% in May 2021.
To combat the situation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made plans to draw water from its reserves. The permission is pending from the state government. However, despite the diminishing water levels, the BMC does not see any problem of water shortage. It has no immediate plans to implement water restrictions.
Mumbai heavily relies on its seven lakes for its daily water supply. These lakes are Tansa, Bhatsa, Modak Sagar, Tulsi, Vehar, Upper Vaitarna, and Middle Vaitarna. They are situated in the surrounding areas of Mumbai as well as neighbouring towns like Thane, Bhiwandi, and Nashik. Last year, when the water level fell below 20% in June, the BMC took proactive measures by reducing water usage by 15 per cent.
In anticipation of insufficient rainfall and emergency situations, the BMC maintains a reserve store of water. This reserve acts as a backup to tackle crises arising from dry spells or inadequate monsoons. Mumbai requires 4,200 million litres per day (MLD) of water, whereas the BMC can currently provide only 3,850 MLD.
Monsoon is expected to arrive between June 10 and 11, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). IMD officials predict that the monsoon will initially make landfall in Kerala during the first week of June before gradually progressing northward. The timely arrival and adequate rainfall during the monsoon season are crucial to replenishing the water reserves and alleviating the strain on the lakes.
Share
Tweet
