Mumbai rains: Lake levels in seven reservoirs touch 92.42 per cent

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The water levels in lakes supplying drinking water to Mumbai have risen following heavy rainfall in their catchment areas. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data, the combined stock in the seven reservoirs that provide water to the city now stands at 92.42 per cent.

As per the BMC on Tuesday (August 19), the collective water stock in these reservoirs is 13,37,633 million litres, which amounts to 92.42 per cent of their total capacity.

The BMC supplies drinking water daily from Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi lakes.

Of these, Tansa has 99.26 per cent water stock, Modak Sagar 91.74 per cent, Middle Vaitarna 97.51 per cent, Upper Vaitarna 88.01 per cent, Bhatsa 90.80 per cent, Vehar 100 per cent and Tulsi 100 per cent.

Lower (Modak Sagar), Middle and Upper Vaitarna lakes, along with Tansa, supply water to the western suburbs from Dahisar Check Naka to Bandra and to the western parts of the city from Mahim to Malabar Hill.

Bhatsa, Vehar, and Tulsi together form the Bhatsa system. Water from this system is treated at the Panjarpur Water Treatment Plant and distributed to the eastern parts of Mumbai, covering the eastern suburbs from Mulund Check Naka to Sion and further to Mazgaon.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the city and suburbs on Tuesday. Officials also cautioned about gusty winds reaching 45-55 kmph, which may compound the impact of waterlogging and traffic disruptions.

According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy showers are expected at several locations, while a few isolated areas could experience extremely heavy rainfall. Tide levels are also expected to add to the city's concerns, with high tide of 3.75 metres at 9:16 am and 3.14 metres at 8:53 pm, while the low tide will measure 2.22 metres at 3:16 pm. The next low tide is forecast at 1.05 metres in the early hours of Wednesday at 3:11 am.

In the 24-hour period ending at 8 am on Tuesday, Mumbai recorded significant rainfall. The city received 186.43 mm, while the eastern suburbs logged 208.78 mm and the western suburbs 238.19 mm. Civic officials have urged residents to remain cautious during high tide hours, avoid flooded stretches, and follow weather advisories closely.