The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is likely to consider imposing a water cut from May, following the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of a below-normal monsoon this year. The water stock in the seven lakes that supply water to Mumbai stood at 4.2 lakh million litres on Monday, which is 28.8% of the total capacity. This is slightly higher than the 25.7% recorded on the same date last year.
No Decision Yet, But Water Cut Possible
Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar stated that no decision has been taken yet, but a water cut cannot be ruled out. He said, "A communication issued by the water resources department in March cited IMD forecasts indicating the possible impact of El Niño and the Indian Ocean dipole, which could result in below-normal rainfall this year. It directed that existing guidelines on water usage and reservoir management must be strictly followed, with a focus on judicious and economical use of available stocks, prioritising drinking water."
Current Water Supply Situation
Mumbai has a daily water requirement of 4,200 million litres per day (MLD). Currently, the BMC is supplying around 3,900 MLD. The BMC is closely monitoring the situation and will take a decision on water cuts based on the actual rainfall and water stock levels.
The IMD's forecast of below-normal monsoon, combined with the potential impact of El Niño and the Indian Ocean dipole, has raised concerns about water availability in the city. The BMC has urged citizens to use water judiciously and avoid wastage.
