Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 12: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a 10 per cent reduction in water supply across Mumbai, Thane and Bhiwandi beginning Thursday, citing falling reservoir levels and concerns over delayed monsoon rainfall.
According to civic officials, the city’s water stock has dropped to just 23.52 per cent of the annual requirement, prompting precautionary measures to manage supply until reservoirs receive sufficient inflow during the monsoon season.
The water cut will apply across all parts of Mumbai, with no exemptions announced for any ward. Thane Municipal Corporation and Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation, which also receive water from BMC sources, will similarly face reduced supply from May 15.
Officials attributed the situation partly to dry weather conditions linked to El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole patterns, which could potentially impact the timely arrival and intensity of monsoon rains.
Despite the reduction, BMC officials maintained that there is no immediate cause for panic, stating that reserve water remains available in Bhatsa and Upper Vaitarna dams.
However, authorities clarified that the water cut will continue until reservoir levels improve following satisfactory rainfall, and no specific end date has been announced so far.
The civic body has appealed to residents to conserve water and adopt responsible usage practices to minimise wastage during the shortage period.
Citizens have been advised to use bucket baths instead of showers, avoid keeping taps running unnecessarily, operate washing machines only with full loads, repair leaking taps immediately and prevent overhead tanks from overflowing.
Residents have also been urged to avoid washing vehicles with running hoses and instead use buckets to reduce water consumption.
Hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments have additionally been instructed to avoid unnecessary water usage and implement conservation measures.
BMC officials said reservoir levels are being monitored daily and further restrictions could be imposed if monsoon rains are delayed or below normal this year.