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Mumbai: Although the monsoon has reached Mumbai, it has yet to bring substantial rainfall to the catchment areas of the city's key lakes. As of now, the combined water stock in the seven lakes stands at 15% of their total capacity slightly higher than the corresponding period in the past two years.
Civic officials remain optimistic that the monsoon will soon intensify over the lake regions, ensuring sufficient water supply and averting the need for water cuts in the city this year.
A senior civic official said, "While recent years have seen delayed monsoons with heavy rainfall often commencing only by mid-July, this year’s monsoon arrived earlier than usual and is forecasted to be above normal, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. With current water reserves and additional state-approved reserve stock sufficient to last until July, there is no immediate need to impose water cuts."
Last year at this time, the seven lakes held only 9% water stock, whereas this year they have a 53-days supply. Despite challenges from evaporation, the early monsoon arrival has provided relief, said an official.
As a contingency, BMC secured state approval to draw 1.81 lakh million litres from Upper Vaitarna and Bhatsa lakes. Last year, sharp water level drops in May led to a 5% water cut from June 5, 2024. Of the 3,950 million litres supplied daily by BMC, about 34% is lost to pipeline leaks and theft.
Total water stock in seven lakes on May 28.
Lakes.....current level ....overflow level (all figures in metres)
Upper Vaitarna..596.32.....603.51
Modak Sagar....151.29....163.15
Tansa...120.89......120.59
Middle Vaitarna....244.54.....285
Bhatsa...111.60.....142.07
Vehar...76.25...80.12
Tulsi...134.36......139.17
year....current water stock (figures in million litres)
2025 - 2,12,644....14.96%
2024 - 1,29,632.....8.96%
2023 - 2,00,346....13.84%
