Mumbai’s seven reservoirs have swelled to an average of 60% capacity following heavy monsoon rainfall, offering respite amidst increasing water demand and urban flood concerns. Mumbai’s Middle Vaitarna reservoir witnessed the largest rise—3.40 metres within 24 hours—pushing its storage to 71.6%, or 1,38,667 ML of usable water. Upper Vaitarna is now at 71.5% (1,62,349 ML), Modak Sagar reached 75.5% (97,287 ML), and Tansa stands at 60.4% (87,677 ML). The cumulative water stock across Mumbai’s seven supplying lakes has climbed to 8,62,100 ML, amounting to 59.6% of seasonal storage requirements.
Bhatsa reservoir, critical to the municipality’s supply, holds 50.2% capacity (3,59,899 ML), while smaller lakes Vehar and Tulsi register 45.6% (12,635 ML) and 44.4% (3,575 ML) respectively. In the past day, rainfall volumes peaked at Middle Vaitarna (112 mm), Tansa (107 mm) and Modak Sagar (78 mm). The BMC’s Bhandup complex recorded 30 mm today, bringing its seasonal total to 630 mm. Urban water experts say the sustained reservoir levels signal improved water security this monsoon but underscore the need for ongoing monitoring to prevent overflow and flooding. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, forecasting heavy to very heavy rain at isolated locations over the coming days, along with gusty winds reaching up to 55 km/h.
High tide peaks are expected at 8.33 pm at 3.12 metres and low ones at 3.08 pm (2.49 m) and 2.56 am (1.29 m), further amplifying flooding risks in low-lying neighbourhoods. Sustainable-city advocates note that while reservoir resurgence augurs well for water resilience, increasing rainfall intensity necessitates bolstered urban drainage, green infrastructure and flood-responsive planning. City officials are advising citizens to remain vigilant in waterlogged areas and conserve the improved water reserves prudently. As Mumbai navigates the monsoon’s dual promise of replenishment and disruption, the tale of its rising lake levels will be pivotal in shaping the city’s ecological balance and liveability moving forward.
Also Read : Adani Ports Develops 1.1 km Steel Slag Road at Hazira for Sustainability
