Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Mumbai Municipal Pools to Reopen August 16 Despite Water Cut
The city of Mumbai has a big government body called the BMC that takes care of water for everyone.
A few months ago, there was not enough water, so the BMC asked everyone to use 10 per cent less water.
Because of this, public swimming pools were closed since June 17.
Now, the lakes that give Mumbai water are almost 89 per cent full.
Still, the BMC wants to keep saving water in case it does not rain much later.
The BMC has decided to open the swimming pools again from August 16.
This means water will be given to the pools even though people are being asked to save water.
A leader named Prabhakar Shinde thinks this is not fair because some people still have very little water at home.
He wants the BMC to think again before giving water to pools.
This is a big argument between the people who run the city and the ruling party.
The BMC has ordered restoration of water supply to municipal swimming pools from August 16, after facilities remained shut since June 17.
The pools will reopen for morning and evening sessions despite the continuing 10 per cent water cut imposed from May 15.
The seven lakes supplying Mumbai hold nearly 89 per cent of their combined capacity, but the administration retained the cut to conserve reserves.
Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde opposed the move, citing citizen complaints of low water pressure and disrupted supply.
Officials were directed to restore connections, test water quality, and appoint swimming instructors-cum-lifeguards before reopening.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde, who opposes the move.
- What
- The BMC ordered restoration of water supply to municipal swimming pools for reopening on August 16 despite the continuing 10 per cent water cut.
- When
- Announced on August 12, 2026; pools reopen from August 16 after being shut since June 17.
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- The reopening of recreational pools is being questioned while the BMC maintains the water cut to conserve reserves and citizens report low pressure and disrupted supply.
BMC Administration (Supports Reopening)
Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde (Opposes Reopening)
Prioritizing pool water supply amid water cut
BMC Administration (Supports Reopening)
Pools should reopen from August 16 with restored water connections since lake levels have improved to nearly 89 per cent capacity.
Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde (Opposes Reopening)
Water should not be diverted to recreational facilities until citizens in several areas are assured a smooth and uninterrupted supply.
Continuation of the 10 per cent water cut
BMC Administration (Supports Reopening)
The cut must be retained to conserve water and maintain reserves amid concerns over rainfall in August and September.
Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde (Opposes Reopening)
The cut should be withdrawn because local corporators have repeatedly complained about low water pressure and disrupted supply.
- Governing Body
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
- Water Cut
- 10 per cent, imposed from May 15
- Pool Closure Period
- Shut since June 17; reopening from August 16
- Lake Capacity
- Nearly 89 per cent of combined capacity across seven lakes
- Annual Water Requirement
- Around 14.47 lakh million litres from October 1
- Pool Sessions
- Morning and evening
- Opposing Official
- Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde