Mumbai’s Water Reservoirs at 14.52% Capacity, Weather Forecast Predicts Rainfall

Mumbai, a city of 14.52 million liters of water, is currently facing a water crisis as the collective lake levels in the seven reservoirs that supply drinking water to the city have dropped to a mere 14.52 per cent. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data, the water stock in these reservoirs stands at 2,10,207 million liters, a significant drop from the normal levels.

The seven reservoirs that supply water to Mumbai are Tulsi, Tansa, Vihar, Bhatsa, Modak Sagar, Upper Vaitarna, and Middle Vaitarna. The data shared by the civic body reveals that the water level in Tansa is at 28.62 per cent, while Modak-Sagar has 29.45 per cent of its water stock available. Middle Vaitarna has 18.41 per cent, Upper Vaitarna has 0 per cent, Bhatsa has 12.03 per cent, Vehar has 22.63 per cent, and Tulsi has 31.48 per cent of its useful water level available.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a generally cloudy sky with intermittent spells of moderate to heavy rain in Mumbai over the next 24 hours. The maximum temperature in the city is expected to settle at 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature will be recorded at 26 degrees Celsius. A high tide of about 4.45 meters is expected to hit Mumbai at 1:20 pm today, with a low tide of about 1.68 meters expected at 7:27 pm.

The city has received 47.51 mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 8 am, with eastern Mumbai receiving 36.23 mm and western Mumbai receiving 19.60 mm. Heavy rainfall across large parts of India has compensated for the June deficit, bringing the overall monsoon precipitation into the surplus category.

According to the IMD, more spells of heavy to very heavy rain are likely over northwest India and the western parts of the peninsular India during the next two-three days and over the northeast during the next five days. India, the world’s top producer of critical crops such as rice, wheat, and sugarcane, logged a rainfall deficit of 11 per cent in June, with northwest India recording a shortfall of 33 per cent.

Heavy rain in the first week of July compensated for the shortfall but caused flooding in many northeastern states. Since the four-month monsoon season began on June 1, the country has received 214.9 mm of rainfall against a normal of 213.3 mm, according to IMD data. Northwest India and the southern peninsula have recorded 3 per cent and 13 per cent above-normal rainfall, respectively.

The BMC has also issued a warning about the high tide and low tide in the city, advising residents to take necessary precautions. The city’s residents are eagerly waiting for the predicted rainfall to replenish the water reservoirs and bring relief to the city’s water crisis.

Historical Context:

Mumbai, being one of the most populous cities in the world, has always struggled with water scarcity. The city’s water crisis is a recurring issue, with the city’s water supply often being inadequate to meet the demands of its residents. The city’s water reservoirs are replenished mainly by the monsoon season, which typically runs from June to September. However, in recent years, the city has faced severe water shortages due to a combination of factors such as rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate change.

In 2019, Mumbai faced a severe water crisis, with the city’s water reservoirs dropping to a record low of 10% capacity. The crisis was exacerbated by a prolonged drought and a lack of rainfall during the monsoon season. The city’s residents were forced to rely on tankers and bottled water to meet their daily needs.

In 2020, the city’s water crisis worsened, with the BMC declaring a water emergency. The city’s water reservoirs were at a mere 12% capacity, and the BMC was forced to impose strict water rationing measures to conserve water.

The current water crisis in Mumbai is a result of a combination of factors, including a lack of rainfall during the monsoon season, rapid urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure to manage the city’s water supply.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Mumbai’s water reservoirs are currently at a mere 14.52% capacity, with a total water stock of 2,10,207 million liters. • The seven reservoirs that supply water to Mumbai have dropped to their lowest levels in recent years. • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a generally cloudy sky with intermittent spells of moderate to heavy rain in Mumbai over the next 24 hours. • The city has received 47.51 mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 8 am, with eastern Mumbai receiving 36.23 mm and western Mumbai receiving 19.60 mm. • Heavy rainfall across large parts of India has compensated for the June deficit, bringing the overall monsoon precipitation into the surplus category. • The BMC has issued a warning about the high tide and low tide in the city, advising residents to take necessary precautions. • The city’s residents are eagerly waiting for the predicted rainfall to replenish the water reservoirs and bring relief to the city’s water crisis. • The city’s water crisis is a recurring issue, with the city’s water supply often being inadequate to meet the demands of its residents. • The city’s water reservoirs are replenished mainly by the monsoon season, which typically runs from June to September. • The city’s water crisis is a result of a combination of factors, including a lack of rainfall during the monsoon season, rapid urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure to manage the city’s water supply.