25 May,2024 12:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a 5% reduction in water supply for Mumbai Metropolitan City beginning Thursday, May 30, 2024, followed by a 10 per cent cut on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. This decision is a preventative step due to the city's restricted water supply from the dams.
Despite the water outage, the BMC tells residents that they do not need to panic. The water stock is currently 5.64 percent lower than the previous year, owing to much decreased rainfall in October 2023. As of May 25, 2024, Mumbai has 1,40,202 million litres of water available, accounting for only 9.69 percent of the annual requirement of 14,47,363 million litres.
"The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to implement a 5 per cent water cut in the Mumbai Metropolitan City (BMC jurisdiction) from Thursday, 30 May 2024, and a 10 per cent water cut from Wednesday, 5 June 2024, as a precautionary measure to ensure that the stock is used for as long as possible. Mumbaikars have no reason to panic. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration humbly appeals to all citizens to use water judiciously," said BMC in their statement.
The BMC is continuously monitoring the situation and manages the water supply on a regular basis. Additionally, Mumbai will receive 1,37,000 million litres from the Bhatsa Dam and 91,130 million litres from the Upper Vaitarna Dam. The punctual arrival of the monsoon, as predicted by the Indian Meteorological Department, is another favourable element.
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The water cuts will affect Thane, Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation, and the nearby villages. The reduction will continue until adequate rainfall increases the water supply.
"In 2021 and 2022, the monsoon was active till 15 October. However, in 2023, there was relatively very less rainfall in the month of October. As a result, the water stock is about 5.64 per cent less this year as compared to last year. As on today 25th May 2024, a total of 1,40,202 million litres of water is available in the dams supplying water to Mumbai. At present, only 9.69 per cent of the water stock is available as against 14,47,363 million litres per annum requirement. The BMC administration is keeping a close watch on the water stock and is supplying water in a planned manner every day. Not only this, but Mumbai will also get 1,37,000 million litres of additional water from Bhatsa Dam and 91,130 million litres from Upper Vaitarna Dam. This means that water stock is available for Mumbai and Mumbaikars need not panic," it added.
"Similarly, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted the timely arrival of the monsoon this year, which is also a positive thing. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to implement the water cut as a precautionary measure, considering the recently increased temperature, increasing evaporation, and the fact that the water stock is less than 10 per cent. The 5 per cent and 10 per cent reduction will also be applicable to the water supply given to Thane, Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation, and other villages by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), from the due date respectively. The water cut will remain in force till satisfactory rainfall is received and the useful stock in the water bodies improves," BMC further said.
The BMC appeals to all citizens to use water judiciously and avoid wastage. Suggested measures include:
- Drink only the necessary amount of water.
- Use a bucket instead of a shower for bathing.
- Do not keep taps running while brushing teeth, shaving, or doing household chores.
- Use buckets instead of pipes for washing vehicles and cleaning surfaces.
- Use water-saving nozzles on taps.
- Only serve water in restaurants and hotels when requested by customers.
- Check and repair any leaks in water systems promptly.
- Ensure water tanks do not overflow when being filled.
- Industrial and commercial establishments should adopt water-saving procedures.
