Archive · 25 Jul 2026
BMC Maintains 10% Water Cut Despite Overflowing Lakes
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai has decided to keep a 10% water cut even though four of the seven lakes supplying water to the city are full and the total water stock is at 77% of capacity.
This decision is based on fears of lower rainfall in August and September due to El Niño.
The BMC wants to ensure there is enough water for the entire year.
Critics, however, think the water cut is not necessary right now because the lakes have a lot of water.
The BMC plans to review the situation in September once all lakes are full.
Four of Mumbai's seven water supply lakes are full, with total water stock at 77% capacity.
BMC maintains a 10% water cut imposed on May 15 due to El Niño concerns.
Water stock rose by 16% in two days due to heavy rainfall in Thane district.
BMC will review the water cut situation in September once all lakes are full.
Mumbai requires 14.47 lakh million litres in its seven lakes by October 1 for uninterrupted supply.
- Who
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
- What
- Maintaining a 10% water cut despite high lake levels
- When
- Since May 15, with a review expected in September
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- Concerns over potential rainfall deficits due to El Niño
BMC's Cautious Approach
Critics' Perspective
Water Conservation
BMC's Cautious Approach
The BMC is prioritizing water conservation to prepare for potential rainfall deficits due to El Niño.
Critics' Perspective
Critics argue that the water cut is unnecessary given the current high water levels in the lakes.
- Current Water Stock
- 11.23 lakh million litres (77% of capacity)
- Lakes at Full Capacity
- Modak Sagar, Tansa, Vehar, Tulsi
- Lakes Not at Full Capacity
- Upper Vaitarna (62%), Middle Vaitarna (75%), Bhatsa (77%)
- Daily Water Demand
- 4,600 million litres
- Current Water Supply
- 4,100 million litres per day
- Water Cut Imposed
- 10% since May 15
- Expected Review Date
- September, once all lakes are full