Mumbai is facing potential water scarcity as the water level in lakes supplying the city has plummeted below 20% just before the onset of the monsoon season.
According to recent reports, as of May 15, the overall water reserves stood at a mere 19.5% (2.8 lakh million litre), a significant drop from last year's 23% (3.3 lakh million litre).
The situation has raised concerns among residents, particularly in Navi Mumbai, which experienced a water shortage last year. In response to inadequate water supply during a delayed or insufficient monsoon, Navi Mumbai implemented a once-weekly water cut, disrupting the daily lives of its inhabitants.
In the previous year, when the water level in lakes dropped below the critical 20% mark, the local authority announced a 15% water curtailment to manage the scarce resources effectively. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that similar measures are unlikely to be implemented this time.
Recognising the severity of the situation, P Velrasu, the BMC's additional municipal commissioner, has written to the state government seeking permission to access reserve water storage in the Upper Vaitarna and Bhatsa lakes if the monsoon is further delayed.
Current stock levels in various lakes supplying Mumbai are as follows:
Tulsi: 36%
Vihar: 35%
Tansa: 31%
Modak Sagar: 29%
Middle Vaitarna: 13%
Upper Vaitarna: 12%
Bhatsa: 18%
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