Mumbaikars can face sever water cut

Even though the month of June has passed, only 5.43 percent of water is left in the reservoirs that supply water to Mumbai. It has been raining intermittently in Mumbai for the past few days, but the water level of the lakes has not changed much due to less rain in the lake area.

Out of the seven lakes that supply water to Mumbai, the two major lakes, Upper Vaitrana and Bhatsa, have zero water storage. On May 30, all the seven lakes had 8 percent water storage, which has increased to 5.43 percent during the month. That means, even though the monsoon has been active for the last 21 days, the water level of the lakes has decreased by 3 percent in a month. Mumbai is supplied with 3850 MLD of water daily from Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitrana, Upper Vaitrana, Bhatsa, Vihar and Tulsi lakes.

BMC can take tough decisions

From June 5, Mumbaikars are facing a 10 percent water cut. The BMC is continuously brainstorming in view of the decreasing water level in the lakes.

A BMC official said that we are holding regular meetings regarding the water crisis. Good rains are likely in July, if there is no rain in the first week, BMC will have to make some tough decisions. However, there is a budget session of the Legislature till July 12, after which some decision regarding water is likely to be taken by the municipality. A BMC official said that apart from stopping the water supply used at the construction sites, reducing the water supply to hotels, industries and other places can also be considered.

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Position over five years as on June 30

Less rainfall compared to last year in lake area

So far this year, there has been very little rain in the area of the lakes that supply water to Mumbai. Average rainfall is less than 50% compared to last year. The Upper Vaitarna division has recorded 188 mm of rainfall so far, compared to 204 mm in the same period last year.