Mumbai water crisis remains a concern as lake levels stay critically low

Representational image. File pic

Mumbai's seven major lakes are currently holding 7.53 per cent of their useful live storage capacity as of 6 am on Friday, June 26, according to the daily water stock report issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The combined useful live storage across all reservoirs stands at 1,08,967 million litres (ML) against the total capacity of 14,47,363 ML. On the same date last year, the lakes had 35.97 per cent storage, while in 2024, levels were significantly lower at 5.28 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:

• Bhatsa

• Upper Vaitarna

• Middle Vaitarna

• Tansa

• Modak Sagar

• Vihar

• Tulsi

Among the reservoirs, the Upper Vaitarna has reached 595.08 metres, below the lowest drawdown level (LDL) of 595.44 metres. As a result, its useful storage is recorded as nil.

The Bhatsa dam, however, shows relatively better storage at 108.50, or 6.47 per cent.

The Middle Vaitarna is currently at 240.60 metres with 11.27 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 119.39 metres, holding 2.21 per cent.

Collectively, the Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna and Tansa group stands at 6.95 per cent of useful live storage.

Lake levels are likely to increase in the coming days

Most lake catchment areas recorded negligible rainfall in the past 24 hours, with only isolated light showers reported.

With monsoon activity already starting to intensify across Mumbai and surrounding areas, the lake levels in the coming few days are likely to rise.

IMD forecasts light to moderate rain in Mumbai

After an intense spell of rain in the last two days, Mumbai on Friday woke up to a relatively colder morning as the city continued to experience active monsoon conditions. With IMD predicting moderate spells of rain in the next 24 hours, the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 32.2 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain close to 25.8 degrees Celsius.