As temperatures soar with the onset of summer, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is ramping up water extraction from the Upper Lake to meet the escalating water demand in the city.
This proactive measure comes as a response to the impending challenges posed by the seasonal surge in mercury levels, highlighting the BMC’s commitment to ensuring adequate water supply amidst changing climatic conditions. BMC officials are optimistic about the city’s water security, citing the Upper Lake’s robust water levels. With the lake reaching its full tank capacity of 1666.8 feet at the conclusion of last year’s monsoon, current levels stand at 1661.50 feet, a mere 5.3 feet below the maximum capacity. The augmentation of water extraction efforts is attributed to recent infrastructure enhancements and the expansion of water supply coverage areas, reflecting the BMC’s strategic approach to meet evolving water demands.
BMC’s city engineer, Udit Garg, had reassured that water levels are sufficient to cater to the state capital’s needs during the summer. Upper Lake contributes to 40% of Bhopal’s drinking water supply, with the rest coming from Kolar and Narmada. In recent years, the Upper Lake has consistently maintained its full tank capacity during the monsoon season, ensuring a reliable water source for Bhopal residents. The BMC’s ability to draw water extends to the lake’s dead storage level at 1652 feet, providing a buffer against water scarcity challenges. However, despite these measures, a portion of Bhopal’s water requirements, approximately 10%, continues to be met through alternative sources such as tube wells and hand pumps, with some bore wells facing depletion during peak summer months.
Each household in Bhopal receives an estimated 183 litres of water per day from the BMC’s supply network, as per 2020 statistics. This allocation underscores the municipality’s commitment to equitable water distribution among residents, ensuring access to a basic necessity for all. BMC’s proactive approach to augmenting water extraction from the Upper Lake underscores its dedication to safeguarding the city’s water security in the face of seasonal challenges. By leveraging infrastructure upgrades and strategic planning, the BMC aims to mitigate potential water scarcity risks and uphold its commitment to delivering essential services to Bhopal residents.