Mumbaikars brace for water shortage in the coming days as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a 10 per cent water cut in Mumbai starting
May 15, as water levels in the city’s supply lakes have dropped significantly. Officials have also issued an advisory urging citizens to use water carefully. According to the BMC Chief PRO, the decision has been taken as a precaution to ensure water availability for a longer period. The civic body said the step is necessary, especially as forecasts suggest below-normal rainfall due to El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions. Data released by the BMC on May 11 shows that the seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai currently hold 3,40,399 million litres of usable water. This is only 23.52 per cent of the total annual requirement of 14,47,363 million litres. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and water supply planning is being reviewed daily. The civic body also said that there is no need to panic, as additional reserve water will be drawn from Bhatsa and Upper Vaitarna dams if required. The 10 per cent water cut will also impact supply to nearby areas such as Thane and Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporations. Authorities said the restrictions will remain in place until water storage improves after the monsoon season. Meanwhile, citizens have been urged to adopt water-saving habits. The BMC has advised people to avoid wastage, fix leaking taps, use bucket baths instead of showers, turn off taps while brushing, and avoid using hoses for washing vehicles.
