The Bengal Story Bureau: Mumbai is grappling with a severe water shortage as the collective water stock in its seven reservoirs has plunged to a critical 9 per cent of total capacity. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has implemented emergency measures to stretch the remaining reserves, ordering a 10 per cent water cut for residential areas and a 20 per cent reduction for commercial and industrial establishments.
The civic body has also completely suspended water supply to construction sites and swimming pools across the city until the situation improves. The crisis stems from a prolonged dry spell and a delayed southwest monsoon, which has left the city heavily dependent on its rapidly depleting reservoirs.
Why Are the Lakes Empty?
Mumbai requires approximately 3,800 million litres of water daily, sourced from a network of seven lakes located across Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar districts. The total useful capacity of these reservoirs is 14.47 lakh million litres. However, current live storage has dropped to just over 1.3 lakh million litres.
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The southwest monsoon, which typically reaches Mumbai by June 11, has been significantly delayed this year. India Meteorological Department officials attributed the delay to an anticyclonic circulation and an unfavourable weather phase, which blocked the progress of monsoon winds. Combined with high summer temperatures that accelerated evaporation, the catchment areas have received almost no replenishment.
Reservoir Breakdown
The situation is particularly alarming at Upper Vaitarna, one of the key reservoirs, which has completely exhausted its live storage and is currently at zero per cent. Bhatsa, the largest dam in the network that supplies nearly half of the city’s water, is hovering around 8.3 per cent of its capacity.
Other major sources, including Middle Vaitarna and Tansa, are also under severe strain, recording water levels near 10 per cent and 3.5 per cent respectively. Only the smaller lakes located within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, such as Vihar and Tulsi, show slightly better reserves, but their overall contribution to the city network is minimal.
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What Happens Next
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rains and thunderstorms for Mumbai and its surrounding districts over the coming week. Civic officials are hopeful that sustained rainfall in the catchment areas will quickly reverse the deficit.
In the meantime, the BMC has issued a public appeal asking residents to use water judiciously. Citizens have been advised to fix leaking pipelines, avoid using hoses to wash vehicles, and rely on buckets instead of showers. The current water restrictions will remain in place until the reservoir levels reach a comfortable threshold.
