Despite overflowing lake, Mumbai to face water cuts until October 1

While Modak Sagar, one of the biggest lakes, overflowed yesterday, BMC officials said the decision to revoke water cuts would be taken in October after the monsoon officially ends

Despite being lashed by torrential rains in the last 24 hours, the city will continue to face water cuts at least until October 1. BMC officials said the decision to either continue or revoke the water cuts would be taken after that, as the four-month monsoon period officially ends in October. The city still needs 3,72,000 million litres of water to escape water cuts.

Water woes: A wake-up call for Mumbaikars

Mumbaikars were taken by surprise after torrential rains lashed the city yesterday, bringing in much-needed relief from the sweltering heat and a promise to end their water woes. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

A total of 189.6 mm of rainfall was recorded across Mumbai and the catchment areas in the last 24 hours. While levels in all the seven lakes increased by 2.1 metres, Modak Sagar — one of the biggest lakes — overflowed in the afternoon. Moreover, the Middle Vaitarna is almost full. Both the lakes hold 21 per cent of the city’s total water supply.

No respite
Though heavy rainfall and increasing water levels in catchment areas are positive signs, the city will continue to face water cuts for at least the next 10 days, as the deficit is yet to be recovered, said BMC officials. “The deficit has fallen from 32 per cent (on Wednesday) to 26 per cent due to yesterday’s heavy rainfall.

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However, the city has only received 1,07,50,000 million litres of water till date. This (water) deficit will vanish if it rains like this for the next four days,” said A S Tawadiya, deputy chief hydraulic engineer. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that heavy rainfall will continue over North Konkan region, including Mumbai, Thane and Palghar, for the next 24 hours.

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“Short periods of heavy rainfall are slated to drench North Konkan due to the low pressure created over Saurashtra. As the pressure is expected to intensify, the rainfall will continue for up to the next 48 hours,” said K S Hosalikar, deputy director, IMD.

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