Current Status of Mumbai’s Lakes: A Critical Water Source Nearing Full Capacity
The water supply for Mumbai is sourced from seven major lakes: Tulsi, Tansa, Vihar, Bhatsa, Modak Sagar, Upper Vaitarna, and Middle Vaitarna. According to the latest data from the BMC, the collective water stock in these lakes has reached an impressive 13,88,614 million litres, which is 95.94% of their total capacity. This significant increase is largely attributed to the recent heavy rains that have swept across the region.
Detailed Water Levels of Mumbai’s Lakes
- Modak Sagar, Vihar, and Tulsi Lakes: These lakes have reached full capacity at 100%, reflecting the considerable rainfall that has contributed to their overflowing.
- Tansa Lake: Currently holds 98.37% of its total capacity, indicating a near overflow situation.
- Middle Vaitarna Lake: At 97.47% capacity, this lake is also close to its maximum water level.
- Upper Vaitarna Lake: The water level is at 95.33%, showing a substantial rise due to the recent rains.
- Bhatsa Lake: Currently, the water level stands at 94.30%, slightly below its full capacity but still a robust figure.
Overflow Events: A Boost to Mumbai’s Water Reserves
The recent heavy rains have caused several lakes to overflow, adding a significant amount of water to Mumbai’s reserves in a short time. Middle Vaitarna Lake began overflowing on July 4, followed by Vihar and Modak Sagar Lakes on July 25. Tansa Lake joined the list on July 24, overflowing at around 4 pm. These overflow events collectively added an impressive 17 days’ worth of water to the city’s reservoirs in just one day.
Tansa Lake, located in the Shahpur region of Thane, is a major contributor to Mumbai’s water supply, providing approximately 400 million gallons daily. On July 26, 2024, the lake overflowed, further enhancing the city’s water reserves. Similarly, Tulsi Lake, which directly supplies water to the BMC, began overflowing on July 20 at 8:30 am, closely mirroring a similar event that took place last year on the same date.
Mumbai Weather Update: What to Expect in the Coming Days
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall for Mumbai and its suburbs in the coming days. According to the latest weather update, the city is expected to experience a “partly cloudy sky with the possibility of light to moderate rain.” Additionally, occasional gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h are anticipated over the next 24 hours.
Temperature and Tide Forecast
- Maximum Temperature: The maximum temperature in Mumbai is expected to settle at around 32 degrees Celsius.
- Minimum Temperature: The minimum temperature is likely to be around 26 degrees Celsius.
The BMC has also provided updates on tidal activity for the day. A high tide of approximately 3.81 metres is expected at 10:06 am, followed by another high tide of about 3.22 metres at 10:02 pm. A low tide of around 1.94 metres is expected at 4:21 pm, which could influence water levels and drainage in certain areas of the city.
Conclusion
The near-full capacity of Mumbai’s lakes marks a significant achievement in water management, ensuring a stable supply for the city’s residents amid the monsoon season. With consistent heavy rainfall continuing to fill these vital reservoirs, the city is well-prepared to meet its water needs in the coming months. However, the BMC and residents must remain vigilant, especially with ongoing weather changes and potential heavy rain in the forecast. Staying updated on water levels and weather forecasts will help ensure the city can effectively manage its resources and prepare for any challenges that may arise.