Mumbai to get water cut from May 30

A 10 per cent cut will start from June 5

As lake levels are below 10 per cent, the BMC has finally decided to impose a water cut from May 30. The civic body has decided to implement a five per cent water cut from May end and 10 per cent cut from June 5 as a precautionary measure to ensure that the stock is used for as long as possible.

In a news article published on Thursday, May 23, mid-day indicated that a water cut may be incoming due to inadequate water stock in all seven dams. As on today, a total of 1,40,202 million litres of water is available in the dams which is only 9.69 per cent of the water stock as against 14,47,363 million litres of total capacity.

"In 2021 and 2022, the monsoon was active till October 15. However, in 2023, there was relatively very less rainfall in the month of October. As a result, the water stock is about 5.64 per cent less this year as compared to last year," said an officer from the BMC. He added that the BMC administration is keeping a close watch on the water stock and is supplying water in a planned manner every day.

The state government has given permission to use 1,37,000 million litres of additional water from Bhatsa Dam and 91,130 million litres from Upper Vaitarna Dam in addition to the current stock so there is no need to panic. Similarly, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted the timely arrival of the monsoon this year, which is also a positive thing, said an official from the civic body.

However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to implement the water cut as a precautionary measure, considering the recently increased temperature, increasing evaporation, and the fact that the water stock is less than 10 per cent. Even last year, the state government sanctioned 1.5 lakh litres of reserved water from these two lakes and the BMC didn't declare water cuts in the month of May. But as the arrival of the monsoon was delayed and water stock kept depleting, the BMC imposed a 10 per cent water cut on July 1.

The five per cent and 10 per cent reduction will also be applicable to the water supply given to Thane, Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation, and other villages by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), from the due dates. The water cut will remain in force till satisfactory rainfall is received and the useful stock in the water bodies improves.

How to use water judiciously
>> Drink water as much as necessary in a glass
>> Bathing with water in a bucket is recommended
>> Don't keep the tap on while brushing teeth or shaving
>> Do not keep water taps flowing while doing household chores
>> Water pipes and systems should be checked in all houses and housing societies. If there is a leak anywhere, it should be repaired immediately