Even with incessant rainfall, water supply for Mumbai still short: chief engg

MUMBAI: The incessant rainfall that has created flood like conditions in Mumbai has also substantially increased supply water levels to the city. Seven lakes that supply water to Mumbai have a stock of 1.73 lakh million liters as on July 4. From June 27, lakes have received over 1 lakh million liters of water. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has noted that the increased water level has only made the drought like situation of Maharashtra “slightly” better. The department, which has been imposing a 10 per cent water cut and 15 per cent in duration of water supply since November 2018, cannot, however, lift the sanctions even with the situation bettering.

According to figures available with the Hydraulic Engineering department, the current water stock is 12.02 per cent of the lakes’ full capacity. Officials said that the catchment area of lakes is not getting very good rainfall. In the last one week, Vehar and Tulsi lakes, located in city limits at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, have received maximum rainfall of 1,158 mm and 1,496 mm, respectively. According to the civic body, Tulsi’s water level is 137.11 m and Vehar has 76.54 m as against their full capacity of 139.17 m and 80.12 m, respectively.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Ashok Tawadia, chief engineer, Hydraulic Engineering department, explained, “Though catchment area of lakes have received decent rainfall and levels have reached 12.02 per cent, the quantity is far less compared to last year on July 4. To reconsider the water cut imposed in the city, lakes should have about 23 per cent water stock. The city has received more rain than catchment area of lakes.”