The BMC on Friday said that is not withdrawing the restriction, citing an uncertain rainfall outlook and the need to ensure adequate water stocks for the months ahead. Mumbai: The city’s seven reservoirs may be around 95% full, but residents will have to bear with the 10% water cut for now. The civic body wants the reservoirs to reach 100% by September 30 before taking a call on lifting the cut.
The BMC’s caution comes against the backdrop of an uncertain monsoon. “Overall, this year’s rainfall is likely to remain below normal. The BMC takes its decisions based on the forecasts provided by the IMD.
Taking the forecast into account, they may have considered that the lake levels may not reach full capacity and therefore decided to continue the water cut,” Singh said.
“Considering the El Niño conditions and the rainfall forecast, the civic administration is being cautious,” the official said. Bikram Singh, Scientist G, IMD Mumbai, said Mumbai received good rainfall in July, but rainfall had been below normal since August and the trend was expected to continue through September.
The extended cut is in contrast to 2024, when the BMC lifted the 10% restriction on July 29. That year, the civic body had first imposed a 5% cut from May 30 and increased it to 10% from June 5 as lake levels declined. The restrictions were lifted after heavy monsoon rainfall pushed reservoir stocks above 66%, with Vihar and Modak Sagar overflowing.
“Considering that the effect of El Niño is expected to continue till next August, such a measure is necessary.
In the short term, it may cause some difficulties, but in the long term, we will have to think about water security,” he said.
There was no similar water cut last year.
