Mumbai faces 10% water supply cut from 15 May
Mumbai: Starting Friday, May 15, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will reduce Mumbai’s water supply by 10% across the city. The move comes amid rapidly declining water levels in the reservoirs that supply the city, compounded by forecasts of a weaker monsoon this year.
The BMC, however, has urged residents not to panic, assuring that water is being distributed strategically to prevent a more severe crisis in the coming weeks.
Reservoir Levels Raise Alarm
The civic body reported that usable water in Mumbai’s reservoirs currently stands at just 23.5% of the city’s annual requirement. Together, the lakes hold approximately 340,399 million litres, while Mumbai’s yearly water demand exceeds 1.4 million million litres.
To mitigate shortages, the BMC is closely monitoring reservoir levels and taking early preventive measures to avoid a major water crisis.
Weak Monsoon Forecast Fuels Concern
A major factor behind the decision is the anticipated weaker monsoon. Officials cited climate patterns such as El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole as potential contributors to reduced rainfall this year. The civic body has urged citizens to conserve water and use it responsibly until conditions improve.
Measures to Manage the Shortage
To bolster the city’s supply, additional water reserves will be released from Bhatsa and Upper Vaitarna dams. Around 147,092 million litres will come from Bhatsa, while Upper Vaitarna will supply an additional 90,000 million litres. Officials emphasized that the cut is precautionary, ensuring the city has sufficient water until rainfall replenishes reservoirs.
Impact on Surrounding Areas
The 10% reduction will also affect nearby regions that rely on Mumbai’s water network, including Thane, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, and surrounding villages. Restrictions will remain in place until water levels stabilize.
This announcement follows a recent 30-hour water shutdown in parts of Mumbai earlier this month for maintenance work under the city’s water supply project.
