Mumbai: City’s major lakes await heavy rain to fill up

Although the amount of rain was sufficient in July, it decreased in August. File pic

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials have stated that, currently, approximately 700 to 800 millimetres of rain is required in the catchment areas of the city's three major lakes to maintain comfortable water levels. However, due to limited rainfall, the rise in the catchment has been minimal, and there is hope that the area will receive substantial rain this week.

In August, the rate of water stock increase in the lakes decreased due to reduced rainfall. According to BMC data, an average of 2,600 to 2,700 millimetres of rain is needed in the catchment areas. While four out of the seven lakes (Tulsi, Tansa, Vihar, and Modak Sagar) overflowed in July, the other three major lakes - Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, and Bhatsa - require more rainfall to maintain consistent water levels. These lakes need over 600 to 700 millimetres of rainfall in their catchment areas. A BMC official stated, "We are hoping for good rainfall in the catchment area starting this week."

Although the amount of rain was sufficient in July, it decreased in August. Even though the current water stock of 84.60 per cent provides relief compared to the situation in June, it is essential to achieve 100 per cent water storage by the end of September.

Meanwhile, based on BMC records, the three major lake catchment areas that supply 75 per cent of the city's daily water needs require 2,600 to 2,700 millimetres of rain. The city receives a water supply of 3,850 million litres, with 2,977 million litres sourced from Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, and Middle Vaitarna.

The current water stock is lower than the past two years. As of Wednesday morning, the water stock stands at 12.24 lakh million litres, which is 84.60 per cent of capacity. On the same date last year, the water stock was 14.07 lakh million litres, equivalent to 97.23 per cent, and in 2021, it was 12.64 lakh million litres, which was 87.40 per cent.

Current stock in lakes on August 23

Bhatsa: 717 million litres (79.86%), rainfall 1,900 mm

Tansa: 145 million litres (98.77%), rainfall 2131 mm

Upper Vaitarna: 227 million litres (73.18%), rainfall 1,843 mm

Middle Vaitarna: 193 million litres (97.14%), rainfall 1,794 mm

Modak Sagar: 129 million litres (92.13%), rainfall 2,515 mm

Tulsi: 8 million litres (98%), rainfall 3,379 mm

Vihar: 28 million litres (100%), rainfall 2,429 mm

Total Capacity: 1.447 billion litres (84.60% full)

84.60 %
Current water stock