Mumbai Lakes Water Levels: Mumbai, India’s bustling financial capital, relies heavily on a network of lakes for its drinking water supply. These lakes have recently reached a remarkable milestone, with water levels nearing full capacity thanks to persistent heavy rainfall. In this article, we will explore the current status of Mumbai’s lakes, the impact of the recent weather patterns, and the forecast for the coming days.
Mumbai’s Lakes: A Vital Resource Near Full Capacity
Mumbai’s water supply system is supported by seven lakes: Tulsi, Tansa, Vihar, Bhatsa, Modak Sagar, Upper Vaitarna, and Middle Vaitarna. These lakes collectively hold a significant amount of water that is essential for the city’s daily needs. According to the latest data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the collective water stock of these lakes stands at an impressive 13,88,614 million litres, which is 95.94% of their total capacity.
Detailed Lake Water Levels
- Modak Sagar, Vihar, and Tulsi Lakes: These lakes have reached 100% capacity, showcasing the substantial impact of the recent monsoon rains.
- Tansa Lake: Currently at 98.37% capacity, Tansa Lake is close to overflowing.
- Middle Vaitarna Lake: This lake is at 97.47% capacity.
- Upper Vaitarna Lake: Holding steady at 95.33% capacity.
- Bhatsa Lake: The current water level is at 94.30% capacity.
The BMC has reported that these impressive figures are largely due to consistent heavy rains over the past few weeks. Middle Vaitarna Lake was the first to overflow on July 4, followed by Vihar and Modak Sagar lakes on July 25. Tansa Lake overflowed on July 24 at around 4 pm, further boosting the city’s water reserves.
Overflow Events and Their Impact
The overflowing of these lakes has added a significant amount of water to Mumbai’s reserves in a very short period. For instance, the recent overflow of Middle Vaitarna, Vihar, Modak Sagar, and Tansa lakes resulted in an additional 17 days’ worth of water being added to the city’s supply in just one day.
Tansa Lake, located in the Shahpur region of Thane, plays a crucial role in Mumbai’s water supply, contributing approximately 400 million gallons daily. It overflowed on July 26, 2024, significantly enhancing the city’s water reserves. Tulsi Lake, another vital source that directly supplies water to the BMC, began overflowing on July 20, mirroring a similar event from the previous year.
Weather Update: Mumbai’s Forecast for the Coming Days
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall for Mumbai on Friday. The latest weather update indicates that the city and its suburbs are expected to experience a “partly cloudy sky with the possibility of light to moderate rain.”
Temperature Forecast
- Maximum Temperature: Expected to settle at around 32 degrees Celsius.
- Minimum Temperature: Likely to be around 26 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, the BMC has predicted a high tide of 3.22 metres at 10:02 pm, which could further impact the city’s water levels and drainage systems.
Conclusion
The near-full capacity of Mumbai’s lakes is a testament to the city’s effective water management and the substantial monsoon rains this season. With the lakes nearing their brim, Mumbai’s residents can expect a stable water supply in the coming months. However, it is crucial for the authorities and the public to remain vigilant, especially with the ongoing monsoon and the potential for further rainfall. Staying informed about the weather and water levels can help the city prepare for any challenges that may arise due to changing conditions.
