Mumbai finds itself confronting a significant water crisis as the total water stock across its seven lakes stands at a mere 5.8% of the required quantum, marking a stark decline compared to the same period over the past two years. The depletion is alarming, with the current stock resting at 84,155 million litres, a far cry from the 1.5 lakh million litres (10.3%) recorded last year and the 2 lakh million litres (14%) in 2022.
To mitigate the escalating shortage, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has implemented a 10% water consumption cut across the city effective from June 10. Despite sporadic heavy rainfall witnessed in some areas on Sunday night, the lakes crucial to Mumbai’s water supply network received inadequate precipitation. For instance, Bhatsa lake recorded 30mm, Vihar 71mm, Tulsi 90mm, Tansa 21mm, Middle Vaitarna 39mm, Modak Sagar 37mm, and Upper Vaitarna 18mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period ending 6 am on Monday.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, the BMC has resorted to tapping into reserve water stocks with the approval of the state government. In tandem, the civic body has issued a plea to citizens to practice water conservation diligently. The water cut measures will remain in effect until satisfactory rainfall replenishes the useful stock in the water bodies, as confirmed by BMC officials.
Residents in several areas, including Dahisar and Juhu Koliwada, have reported acute water shortages, exacerbating the strain on households. A resident of Juhu Koliwada, voiced the challenges faced by many, stating, “We are a family of eight. We had been facing water shortage for a month, but last week we did not get any.”
The looming water crisis underscores the pressing need for sustainable water management strategies and heightened public awareness regarding conservation efforts to avert further depletion and ensure resilience against future shortages.
