Bhopal's centuries-old Upper Lake, the city's primary drinking water source, has fallen to 1,659.20 feet, dropping 1.4 feet in just 34 days. The lake supplies water to nearly 40% of the city's population, approximately 8 to 10 lakh people. It is now merely 7.2 feet above dead storage at 1,652 feet.
Officials and Experts Warn of Crisis
Officials and water experts caution that if the decline continues and the monsoon is delayed, the city could face a serious drinking water crisis within weeks. Data from the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) shows the lake level has dropped from 1,660.60 feet on May 5, marking one of the sharpest pre-monsoon declines in recent years, comparable to conditions seen in 2013.
Rising Temperatures and Increased Consumption
Rising temperatures and increased consumption have further accelerated evaporation losses. The current situation also recalls 2016, when water levels had similarly dipped. While officials acknowledge the concern, they note that in extreme situations, water can be drawn down to 1,645 feet.
Borewell Ban and Groundwater Concerns
In March, the administration banned new private borewells to curb falling groundwater levels. About 10% of the city's supply still depends on tube wells and hand pumps, many of which go dry during peak summer.
Residents Urged to Conserve Water
The BMC has urged residents to conserve water as the monsoon is expected soon, with any delay likely to deepen the crisis. Meanwhile, the civic body reported that 21,369 water samples have been tested since January, along with repairs of 6,044 leaks, including 35 fixed recently. Additionally, 105 samples were collected this week for quality checks across multiple labs, including slum areas.
