Mumbai’s seven lakes have 13.55 per cent water stock

Despite a year-on-year improvement, storage levels remain below normal as the monsoon has yet to fully set in. Representational pic

Mumbai's seven major lakes are currently holding 13.55 per cent of their useful live storage capacity as of 6 am on Sunday, June 7, according to the daily water stock report issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The combined useful live storage across all reservoirs stands at 1,96,141 million litres (ML) against the total capacity of 14,47,363 ML. On the same date last year, the lakes had 11.06 per cent storage (1,60,138 ML), while in 2024, levels were significantly lower at 6.35 per cent (91,861 ML). Despite a year-on-year improvement, storage levels remain below normal as the monsoon has yet to set in.

Among the reservoirs, the Upper Vaitarna has reached 595.30 metres, below the lowest drawdown level (LDL) of 595.44 metres. As a result, its useful storage is recorded as nil, though 3,466 ML has been drawn from below the LDL. Releases from the lake were stopped on Tuesday, June 2.

The Bhatsa dam, however, shows relatively better storage at 91,337 ML, or 12.74 per cent, compared to 8.57 per cent in the corresponding period last year. Modak Sagar is at 151.44 metres with 43,260 ML (33.55 per cent), while Vihar and Tulsi lakes are at 44.24 per cent and 25.73 per cent, respectively.

The Middle Vaitarna is currently at 248.51 metres with 34,573 ML (17.86 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.

Rainfall remains negligible in lake catchments; BMC urges water conservation

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 129 mm.

With monsoon activity yet to gather momentum, the BMC has urged citizens to use water judiciously and adhere to conservation measures.

The India Meteorological Department had, in May, indicated a below-normal monsoon, forecasting rainfall at up to 90 per cent of the long-period average across the country, influenced by El Niño conditions. Following this forecast, the BMC had decided to impose water cuts and initiated contingency planning to ensure that available reserves would last until at least August.