Monsoon magic: No water cuts for Mumbai as water stock breaks record

For the first time, the water stock of all the lakes combined have crossed 13 million litres; BMC may not impose water cuts until next June

With water level in catchment areas being recorded at an all-time high, this year’s monsoon season has definitely ended on a happy note. This could well mean that Mumbaikars could be spared from water cuts till next June by the civic body. Sources in the BMC said the current stock is enough to last till August 2014.

Bursting at the seams: An overflowing Tansa dam. File pic

At present, except for Modak Sagar, all the lakes have overflowed. Most importantly, the civic body’s water storage capacity increased after the Middle Vaitarna dam became operational.

Officials of the hydraulic department would be taking stock of the catchment areas by of the month-end.

Record breaker
As on September 23, the water stock in all the reservoirs has touched 13.41 lakh million litres mark, a first-ever. In the last three years, the stock failed to cross 12.60 lakh million litres. As per the water department, the city collectively needs about 13 lakh million litres of water to ensure a smooth supply during non-monsoon months.

“Yes. This is the highest water stock we have received till date,” said hydraulic engineer Ramesh Bambale.

Did you know?
Currently, the civic body supplies 3,400 million litres of water per day to the city against its requirement of 4,200 million litres.

Statistics
Water stock as on September 23 in the last three years
2012: 12.59 million litres
2011: 12.44 million litres
2010: 12.35 million litres

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