Mumbai’s primary water sources are facing severe strain, with the combined levels in seven major reservoirs dropping below 10 percent amid a delayed southwest monsoon. According to civic authorities, the water stock stood at just 9.67 percent as of early Thursday morning, down slightly from 10.01 percent the previous day.
The seven reservoirs Bhatsa, Modak Sagar, Upper Vaitarna, Tansa, Vihar, Tulsi, and Middle Vaitarna collectively supply around 3.4 billion litres of water daily to the city. Their total storage capacity is approximately 1,447,363 million litres, but current reserves amount to only about 139,996 million litres. These lakes, located across Thane, Palghar, Mumbai, and Nashik districts, rely heavily on monsoon rains for replenishment.
Individual levels paint a concerning picture: Modak Sagar is at nearly 28 percent, Vihar at 42 percent, and Tulsi at 22.8 percent. Middle Vaitarna holds 10.34 percent, Bhatsa 8.96 percent, Tansa 4.29 percent, while Upper Vaitarna remains completely empty.
The southwest monsoon, which normally arrives in Mumbai around June 11, has been delayed by more than a week this year. Factors including the influence of El Niño have raised additional concerns about adequate rainfall needed to recharge these vital water bodies.
In response to the dwindling supplies, authorities have implemented conservation measures. These include a 10 percent overall reduction in water provision and a 20 percent cut specifically for commercial users. Temporary water connections to construction sites have also been suspended.
ALSO READ : Mumbai Monsoon :likely To Witness Rain, IMD Issues Alert
As of Thursday, the monsoon has stalled over the southern Konkan region. Meteorological observations point to an anticyclonic circulation north of the city and an unfavourable phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation as key factors hindering its northward progress. A weakened monsoon system, partly attributed to El Niño and associated conditions, is expected to keep the city waiting a few more days for significant relief.
Weather forecasts indicate hot and humid conditions in isolated areas of Mumbai on Thursday and Friday, with a yellow alert in place. Some improvement, including partly cloudy skies, is anticipated from June 20 onward.
This situation underscores the vulnerability of Mumbai’s water infrastructure to monsoon variability and highlights the importance of ongoing conservation efforts as the city awaits rainfall. Residents and businesses are urged to use water judiciously during this challenging period.
-
-
-
-
