17 June,2026 03:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Lake levels in Mumbai stands at 10.01 per cent (File pic)
Mumbai's seven major lakes are currently holding 10.01 per cent of their useful live storage capacity as of 6 am on Wednesday, June 17, according to the daily water stock report issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The combined useful live storage across all reservoirs stands at 1,44,918 million litres (ML) against the total capacity of 14,47,363 ML. On the same date last year, the lakes had 9.78 per cent storage, while in 2024, levels were significantly lower at 5.38 per cent. Despite a year-on-year improvement, storage levels remain below normal as the monsoon has yet to set in.
The seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai:
Among the reservoirs, the Upper Vaitarna has reached 595.27 metres, below the lowest drawdown level (LDL) of 595.98 metres. As a result, its useful storage is recorded as nil.
The Bhatsa dam, however, shows relatively better storage at 66,627 ML, or 9.29 per cent, compared to 6.09 per cent in the corresponding period last year.
The Middle Vaitarna is currently at 119.50 metres with 10.34 per cent. Water release from the reservoir has been ongoing since November 30, 2025, with the WSCPO gate opened on January 7, 2026. Tansa Lake stands at 120.01 metres, holding 12,647 ML, or 8.72 per cent.
Collectively, the Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna and Tansa group stands at 13.03 per cent of useful live storage.
Most lake catchment areas recorded negligible rainfall in the past 24 hours, with only isolated light showers reported.
Bhatsa recorded the highest cumulative rainfall so far at 0.00 mm.
With monsoon activity yet to gather momentum, the BMC has urged citizens to use water judiciously and adhere to conservation measures.
Amid the El Nino impact across Mumbai and suburbs, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde earlier last week conducted inspections at several flood-prone locations in parts of the city as part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) monsoon preparedness review.
Tawade visited the Andheri Subway, Milan Subway, Gandhi Market pumping station and Hindmata pumping station to assess the readiness of civic infrastructure ahead of the monsoon season.
Several elected representatives and civic officials accompanied her during the inspection tour.
During the visit to the Andheri Subway, local MLA Murji Patel highlighted the recurring issue of waterlogging in the low-lying area during heavy rainfall.
He said the flooding problem has persisted for years and stressed the need for a permanent solution. Patel added that the issue has been repeatedly raised during legislative sessions.
