The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to implement a 10% water cut in Mumbai starting May 15 as a precautionary measure. This decision comes in light of the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of below average monsoon due to the El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole conditions. The water cut will also impact certain areas in Thane and Bhiwandi-Nizampur City municipal corporations.
Reason Behind the Water Cut
According to the BMC administration, the water cut is being imposed as per the directives of the state water resources department. The department called for planning supply amid recent increased heat levels and fast evaporation of water in the seven lakes that cater to the city’s drinking water needs. These lakes include Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vehar, and Tulsi.
Current Water Stock Status
On Monday, the total usable water stock in the seven catchment area lakes stood at 3.4 lakh million litres, which is 23.5% of the total required quantum of 14.47 lakh million litres. In comparison, on the same day last year, the stock was 2.9 lakh million litres (20.2%), and in 2024 it was 2.1 lakh million litres (14.7%).
An additional 1.5 lakh million litres from the reserve stock of Bhatsa Dam and 90,000 million litres from the reserve stock of Upper Vaitarna Dam will be made available to Mumbai, civic officials said.
Planning for Delayed Rains
“Every year, we plan and account for the water stock to last till July 31 as we expect rainfall in the months of June and July. However, this year we have accounted for August 31, as rains may be delayed due to the El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole conditions,” said a BMC official. “If rains are delayed or erratic, we have to ensure that the water stock lasts. The 10% water cut is being implemented as per the directions of the state government. But despite the precautionary measure, we don’t expect much of an impact, as ours is a coastal region.”
Appeal to Citizens
In light of the water cut, BMC urged citizens to use water judiciously but assured that there is no cause for panic yet.
Historical Context
Previously, the BMC had imposed a 10% water cut in 2024, 2023, and 2022. In 2020, it had imposed a 20% cut in August due to poor rain. In 2025 and 2021, BMC had not imposed any water cut.
