BMC Retains 10 Per Cent Water Cut Across Mumbai Despite Lakes Reaching 95.83% Capacity

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has decided to continue its 10 per cent water cut across Mumbai, even as the lakes supplying water to the city reached 95.83 per cent capacity on Wednesday.

Civic authorities estimate that the current reserves are sufficient to supply the city for a little over nine months. The recorded water stock on Wednesday drew close to the levels documented on the same date, September 2, last year.

Mumbai draws its water supply from seven water bodies, including Bhatsa lake, which keep the city hydrated.

Despite the substantial storage levels, the civic administration will not withdraw the 10 per cent reduction for the time being, citing weather forecasts.

"Considering that the IMD [India Meteorological Department] has predicted a weaker monsoon this season due to the impact of El Nino, a decision has been taken to continue with the water cut, at least till mid-September," a senior civic official told mid-day on Tuesday afternoon.

The BMC is waiting until the middle of the month before revisiting the measure. According to the official, a review meeting will be convened to decide the future course of action regarding the city's water supply.