Mumbai, July 28, 2023 – The city of Mumbai is witnessing a significant increase in its water stock as the lakes supplying drinking water are at 68.06% capacity, according to data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as of 6 am Friday. The recent heavy rainfall has resulted in the overflow of several reservoirs, including the Modak Sagar lake in Thane district.
The Modak Sagar lake, situated on the Vaitarna river, became the fourth lake to overflow after Tulsi lake, Vihar lake, and Tansa lake, due to the incessant rainfall on Thursday night. The overflowing of Modak Sagar lake prompted the BMC to open two of the dam’s gates, releasing 6,000 cusecs of water.
The Vihar lake, located in Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also experienced overflow, occurring at 12:48 am. Additionally, the Tansa lake in Thane district overflowed at 4:35 am on Wednesday, further contributing to the rising water levels in the reservoirs.
Mumbai’s water supply is dependent on seven reservoirs – Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar, and Tulsi, situated in Mumbai, Thane, and Nashik districts. The collective maximum water storage capacity of these dams is approximately 14,47,363 million liters. At present, the water storage percentages in some of these reservoirs are as follows: Vihar and Tulsi lakes are at 100%, Tansa lake at 99.58%, Modak Sagar at 100%, and the Middle Vaitarna reservoir at 79.70%. However, the Bhatsa lake in Thane district is at a lower water storage level of 59.22%.
Despite the improvement in water stock, the BMC implemented a 10% water cut since July 1 due to inadequate rainfall in the catchment areas at that time. The recent heavy rains have brought relief to the city’s water situation, allowing the BMC to consider reassessing the water cut measures in the near future.
The overflowing lakes are a promising sign for Mumbai’s water security, but authorities remain vigilant as heavy rains can lead to unpredictable changes in water levels. The BMC continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure the steady supply of potable water to the city and its suburbs during the monsoon season.
Residents are urged to use water responsibly and conserve it wherever possible, especially in light of the ongoing water cut. As the monsoon season progresses, cooperation from the public will play a crucial role in maintaining the city’s water reserves and ensuring the well-being of its residents.
