Mumbai: Water stock at 10 per cent

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As the water stock in reservoirs drops down to 10 per cent, the BMC might have to take a call on water cuts in the next few days. Though there is a reserved stock of water for emergencies, the high water evaporation rate and the unpredictable monsoon left the authorities in a lurch.

The current water stock is lower compared to the same period last year. Though 10 per cent of water lasts over 28-30 days, the current rate of evaporation is very high. "The IMD predicted a good and early monsoon and we are keeping a close watch on it. Currently, it arrived in Andmans but may be delayed for a day or two in Kerala. The monsoon arrival dates for Mumbai haven't been confirmed yet and we need at least two weeks of good rain to increase the water levels in lakes. The BMC will decide on the matter after taking all factors into consideration," said a senior official from the BMC.

There is a reserve of 2.28 lakh million litres of water in Bhatsa and Upper Vaitarna which can be used in case of an emergency. Even last year, the state government sanctioned 1.5 lakh million litres of reserved water from these two lakes and the BMC didn't declare water cuts in 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.

This year, the government sanctioned 1.37 lakh million litres from Bhatsa and 91,130 million litres from Upper Vaitarna.

"There isn't any decision on the water cut, but we will take review next week," said Bhushan Gagrani, civic chief.