As water levels in seven lakes supplying Mumbai plummet to just 10.3% of their total capacity,the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has implemented stringent water conservation measures. Effective Wednesday,the BMC will suspend water supply to construction sites and swimming pools, while also imposing a 20% reduction in water supply to industrial and commercial establishments, including sports clubs.
This latest round of restrictions adds to an existing 10% citywide cut that has been in place since May 15. The BMC clarified that the new 20% cut is not in addition to the previous reduction but is the total cut for these sectors. A review of the water situation is scheduled for June 30,with hopes that the monsoon will soon alleviate the crisis.
Currently,Mumbai requires approximately 4,664 million liters of water daily but receives an average supply of only 4,100 million liters from its lakes. The ongoing delay in monsoon, attributed to the El Niño effect,has exacerbated the situation, prompting the BMC to tighten its conservation measures.
The civic body has outlined several strategies to extend the available water supply until the monsoon rains replenish the reservoirs. A meeting at BMC headquarters led to the decision to disconnect all water connections for construction activities temporarily and halt approvals for new construction water connections. Additionally, applications for extra water connections will remain on hold until lake levels improve.
In a bid to conserve water,the BMC has urged public toilet operators to utilize tanker or borewell water when possible. Residents and institutions are advised to rely on well or borewell water for non-potable uses,such as washing vehicles, watering gardens,and cleaning public spaces.
Major establishments,including Central and Western Railways, RCF, HPCL, BPCL,the Indian Navy,MIDC,and the Mumbai Port Authority, have been directed to maximize the use of treated sewage water for operational needs instead of relying on potable water. The BMC has warned against wastage and stated that strict action will be taken against anyone found misusing the drinking water supplied by the corporation.
Water supply in Mumbai primarily comes from seven lakes, most of which are located outside city limits . Powai Lake,situated within the city, provides water solely for industrial use and is not suitable for drinking. With a capacity of 545 crore liters,its water is mainly utilized for non-drinking purposes in the Aarey Dairy Colony and eventually flows into the Mithi River once full.
As the city grapples with this severe water shortage,the BMC is appealing to citizens to cooperate in conserving the limited water resources until the monsoon brings much-needed relief. The situation remains critical,and the upcoming review will be crucial in determining the next steps in managing the city's water supply.
