Mumbai faces water scarcity as lakes hit a two-year low
Pune’s Water Crisis to Be Like Bengaluru’s As Water Sources Deplete Rapidly
The seven lakes responsible for providing water to Mumbai presently stand at 65 percent of their total capacity, marking the lowest stock in the last two years. With concerns over potential water shortages during the upcoming summer, civic calculations suggest that the current water supply may sustain until July 15. However, an official mentions that a decision on implementing a water cut will be contingent on evaluating evaporation rates over the next three months.
Last year, the city experienced a 10 per cent water cut from July 1 due to lakes having less than 7 per cent water stock. The BMC utilised the reserve quota of Upper Vaitarna and Bhatsa lakes to meet the city’s water demand. Subsequent heavy rains in July filled the lakes, leading to the withdrawal of the water cut within a month. Continued intermittent showers in August and September raised the water levels to 99 per cent by October 1. Currently, the lakes have a 65 per cent water stock, compared to 70 per cent last year and 72 per cent in 2022.
P Velrasu, additional municipal commissioner (projects), has reassured that current stocks are sufficient, so there’s no need to worry about water cuts, said a report.
