Mumbai: Water levels in Mumbai’s dams have dropped to a mere 35 per cent, raising concerns of a potential water crisis if monsoon rains are delayed this year.
As the mercury continues to soar in the Deccan Plateau even before the onset of peak summer, water is rapidly evaporating from the Mumbai reservoirs. Consequently, the city’s Water Supply Department has started tapping into reserved water resources to ensure a continued supply in the coming weeks.
Where does Mumbai get its water supply from
Currently, seven key reservoirs — Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Upper Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Tansa, Modak Sagar, and Tulsi — cater to Mumbai’s water supply. As of now, these reservoirs collectively hold just over 5,07,445 million litres of water, which is only 35 per cent of their total capacity. These lakes are the primary source of water for the city. Mumbai’s daily water requirement is estimated at 4,505 MLD (million litres per day). So, the current levels in the reservoirs are far below the required levels.
Two local water bodies within Mumbai — Powai and Tulsi lakes — contribute to the city’s supply. However, these account for only 10 per cent of the total water used in Mumbai and the remaining 90 per cent is supplied by the reservoirs outside the city limits. Water from these external sources is transported via pipelines to filtration centres before being supplied to Mumbaikars.
Water crisis looms large over Mumbai
With mercury soaring, Mumbai is bracing for a potentially difficult summer. The water crisis looming large over India’s financial capital has added to the woes of Mumbaikars. With monsoon still weeks away, the present levels in reservoirs call for urgent measures to avert the potential crisis.
While the administration is closely monitoring the situation and preparing contingency plans if the rains are delayed further, authorities have also been urging Mumbaikars to use water judiciously and conserve wherever possible.
