BMC Plans 10% Water Cut in Mumbai From May 1 as Reservoir Levels Dip
Mumbai could soon face a 10 per cent water cut as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation prepares to introduce restrictions from May 1 amid falling water reserves and rising summer temperatures. Civic officials are closely monitoring the situation as water stocks in the lakes supplying the city continue to decline, sparking fears of a difficult summer ahead.
According to civic to a report by Marathi news portal Lokshahi, quoting civic officials, a proposal recommending the water cut has already been submitted to the Municipal Commissioner for approval. If cleared, the move will affect the city’s daily water supply as authorities attempt to conserve reserves until the arrival of the monsoon.
Mumbai currently receives around 4,000 million litres of water per day from seven lakes, including Modak Sagar, Tansa, Bhatsa and Vaitarna. However, the total water stock in these reservoirs has fallen to just 33.60 per cent of capacity as of April 15, leaving officials concerned about long-term sustainability.
Rising Temperatures Accelerating Water Loss Across Reservoirs
The rapid depletion in lake reserves is being blamed largely on the intensifying summer heat, which has significantly increased evaporation rates across the city’s water reservoirs.
Although civic officials estimate that the current water stock could last until July, precautionary restrictions are being considered to prevent a deeper crisis if monsoon rains are delayed. Authorities are aiming to stretch the reserves further to ensure that the city does not face an emergency in the peak summer months.
Officials pointed out that the state government has directed civic bodies to preserve enough water stock to last until August, keeping in mind the uncertainty around rainfall this year.
Below-Normal Rainfall Forecast Raises Serious Concerns
Adding to Mumbai’s concerns, the India Meteorological Department has predicted below-normal rainfall this year, with weather experts attributing the possibility to the impact of the El Niño phenomenon.
This warning has increased pressure on the BMC to take preventive measures now rather than wait for lake levels to fall further. Last year, water levels had dropped below 20 per cent by early May, but an early monsoon helped restore the city’s water reserves in time.
This year, however, the civic administration is unwilling to rely on early rains and is preparing for the possibility of an extended dry spell.
BMC Seeks Extra Water to Avoid Bigger Supply Cuts
To prevent harsher restrictions, the BMC has requested additional water reserves from state-controlled lakes. Officials say that if this emergency allocation is approved, the city may avoid a larger water cut or reduce the duration of restrictions.
Mumbai’s water network is among the most extensive in the country, drawing water from reservoirs located as far as 175 kilometres away in districts such as Palghar, Thane and Nashik. The system includes nearly 650 kilometres of transmission mains and around 6,000 kilometres of service pipelines.
With temperatures climbing and demand rising, authorities are urging residents to use water responsibly as Mumbai braces for what could become one of the toughest pre-monsoon water situations in recent years.
Q1: Why is Mumbai facing a water cut?
Mumbai is likely to face a water cut because reservoir levels have fallen to 33.6 per cent amid rising temperatures and concerns over below-normal rainfall.
Q2: When will the water cut begin?
The proposed 10 per cent water cut is likely to be implemented from May 1, subject to approval by the Municipal Commissioner.
Q3: How much water does Mumbai receive daily?
Mumbai currently receives around 4,000 million litres of water per day from seven lakes.
Q4: Which lakes supply water to Mumbai?
Mumbai’s water supply comes from reservoirs including Modak Sagar, Tansa, Bhatsa and Vaitarna.
Q5: Can the water cut be avoided?
The BMC has sought additional water reserves from state-controlled lakes, which may help reduce or avoid the proposed water cut.
