Rain gods elude catchment areas

Despite frequent spells of heavy rain in the city, its suburbs and especially the catchment areas have received less than half the rainfall it had received in June last year. This can mean that Mumbaikars may have to face water cuts yet again this year, even though the BMC maintains that it is too soon in the monsoon season to judge the situation.

Scanty rainfall has led to the city still drawing water from the water reserves of the Upper Vaitarna, which supplies water to the western suburbs. This lake, which receives an average rainfall of over 400 mm in the month of June, has received only 93 mm rainfall this year. This is in stark contrast with the amount of rainfall it received this time last year, which was about 620 mm.

However, the Bhatsa system, which supplies water to parts of the city and the eastern suburbs has about 107 ML of water stock. The rainfall in this region has been more dense in comparison to the Upper Vaitarna region.

The Bhatsa system has received about 256 mm rainfall in June, as opposed to 608 mm it had received in June last year. As of July 1, the Bhatsa river system has water stock left for 30 days of use, without using the reserves from this lake. Commenting on this, a civic official from the hydraulics department said, “We are fortunate that we are not using reserves from the Bhatsa system. But the situation in Upper Vaitarna is worrisome. I cannot comment just yet if the city will see more water cuts this year as well. It is too soon to say anything.”

Before the monsoon, the two lakes had sufficient water supply to last till July 31. The water levels in the lakes have not improved even after the city has received about 1,000 mm rainfall. As a result, Mumbai’s lakes have only 50 per cent water (1,10,619 mm) in comparison to last year (3,38,217 mm).