10 per cent water cut likely to continue

Mumbai: Although the total water content in the seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai has reached 48 per cent, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is yet to take a decision on cancelling the water cut in Mumbai.

Since summer, there has been only 10 to 15 per cent water due to scarcity as water content in the lakes has dipped to extremely low levels, so much so that the BMC had to use reserved water stock from Bhatsa dam. After a good amount of rainfall in the catchments’ areas this month, the water content increased to 40 per cent from the very low 4.85 per cent last month.

“Although the water content in the lakes has increased fairly due to good rainfall, it is less compared to last year. As of July 15, 2019, water stock is 48 per cent, which on the same date in 2018 was 56 per cent and in 2017 was 62 per cent. We will wait till there is satisfactory water available in the reservoirs, till which time the 10 per cent water cut in Mumbai will most likely continue,” said BMC’s hydraulic engineer, Ashok Tawadia.

“The water needs during the monsoon are anyway lesser and the city can comfortably manage with a 10 per cent cut. However, we have spoken with the municipal commissioner regarding this and as soon as he orders, the water cut will be rolled back,” Mr Tawadia added. The BMC supplies 3800 million litres of water to Mumbai on a daily basis.