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Amidst torrential rains recorded over the course of the past one week, Mumbai’s water stock level in all seven lakes has witnessed a substantial recharge. Data furnished by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) showed that lake levels had risen to 16.78 per cent by Monday morning.
Despite the significant rise in lake water level, civic body officials confirmed that the 10 per cent water cut imposed by BMC on July 1, is here to stay.
While the official date of monsoon in Mumbai is June 10, this year, it arrived on June 25. Despite the delayed onset, on Monday morning, Mumbai’s water stock level in all seven lakes stood at 2,42,861 million litres which implies 16.78 per cent of the total supply level. For the record, last year on the same date, lake levels stood at 12.92 per cent despite the monsoon’s timely arrival on June 11. Meanwhile, in 2021, the water stock was around 19.82 per cent.
Even with recharging of lakes, senior BMC officials confirmed that the civic body does not plan on lifting the water cut any time soon, and will review its decision only after lake levels touch at least 50% by July end. On June 28, with lake water levels dipping below seven per cent, BMC had announced a 10 per cent water cut starting July 1.
Speaking to The Indian Express, P Velrasu, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), said, “While we’ve received good rains and lake levels, including reserve stock, rose over 15 per cent by June end, we need to be prepared for inadequate rainfall in July. If lake levels touch between 50% – 55 % by July end, we will review our decision and lift the water cut.”
“The decision to impose the water cut was essential to ensure that water levels in the lakes rise and are sufficient to supply water until the onset of next year’s monsoon,” added Velrasu.
BMC had announced a 15% water cut in Mumbai last year, after water levels dipped below 20% in June.
The metropolis derives its daily water supply from seven different lakes—Tansa, Bhatsa, Modak Sagar, Tulsi, Vehar, Upper Vaitarna and Middle Vaitarna —that flank the outskirts of Mumbai and its neighbouring districts of Thane and Nashik. During monsoon, rainwater fills the catchment areas of these lakes and this water is supplied in the city and suburbs through tunnels and water pipelines.
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