BMC Proposes 10% Water Cut To Extend Mumbai Stock Until September 2027
Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), presented water-supply planning data to the civic standing committee on Thursday, projecting that Mumbai's water stock will sustain the city until September 5, 2027, if a 10% water cut is extended and approved reserve storage in key dams is maintained. The plan prepared by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation relies on retaining emergency reserves in the Upper Vaitarna and Bhatsa reservoirs, which supply the major share of water to the city.
The civic body currently supplies around 4,100 million litres of water a day (MLD) to the metropolis. Among the primary reservoirs, Bhatsa holds the largest useful storage at 7,17,037 million litres, of which 7,04,965 million litres was available as of September 30. Projections show that without an enforced cut and without retaining reserve storage, supply from Bhatsa would last only until June 10, 2027. However, retaining approved reserve storage in Upper Vaitarna and Bhatsa would extend water availability to August 2, 2027.
With the monsoon season officially ending on September 30, 2026, state irrigation reservoirs recorded 75.25% stock, down from 88.82% at the same time last year. An irrigation department officer stated that the current deficit indicates a likelihood of major water scarcity over the next nine to ten months, leading authorities to regulate supply to farmlands until the 2027 monsoon onset so that drinking water is prioritised through August 31, 2027.
Water availability remains strained across the broader Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Irrigation secretary Prakash Misal noted that shortfalls will impact Kalyan-Dombivli, Palghar, Vasai-Virar, and surrounding areas as urban demand rises against limited capacity. A Bhatsa project official explained that the reservoir provides nearly 55% of Mumbai's water as well as supplies to Thane, confirming that irrigation supplies will be halted or restricted to ensure sufficient drinking water stocks remain until August 31, 2027.
In Thane, daily water demand stands at approximately 621 MLD, but the city receives only 585 to 590 MLD, resulting in an existing daily shortfall of about 31 MLD. A Thane Municipal Corporation official noted that while local supplying dams currently have adequate storage, the 10% reduction will be implemented across urban areas following the state government's final decision.
Other regional civic bodies are adjusting to the shortage. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has issued an advisory asking residents to conserve supply from Morbe dam, which sits at 74% stock, while the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation has sought an additional 180 MLD quota from the state government to address border-area deficits.
