'Mumbai has enough water till August 17 despite curbs', says BMC chief Ashwini Bhide

BMC chief Ashwini Bhide

With Mumbai's water stock under pressure and fresh restrictions now in force, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide says the city has enough water to last until August 17, thanks to reserve quotas sanctioned by the state government. In an interview with mid-day, Bhide explains why the latest curbs were necessary, whether sectors such as real estate and entertainment will be affected, and what the city's contingency plan is if the monsoon fails to fully replenish Mumbai's lakes.

A girl carries a water container as citizens adapt to ongoing water cuts. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

"BMC's water supply is dependent on seven dams. Even when the reservoirs reach 100 per cent capacity, rising population and growing demand are putting pressure on available resources. Every year, before the monsoon, we procure reserve quota water from the state government. This year, due to warnings of El Nino conditions and the delayed onset of the monsoon, the situation is critical," she said.

BMC chief Ashwini Bhide

Excerpts from the interview

How concerned is the administration about the water shortage?
As per directions from the state government regarding the El Nino situation and the possibility of below-normal rainfall, BMC requested additional water stock from the state's irrigation department. Accordingly, 90,000 ML of reserve water from Upper Vaitarna and 1,47,000 ML from Bhatsa Dam have been sanctioned. BMC implemented a 10 per cent water cut from May 15, 2026. Based on the current stock position, the available water can sustain supply until August 17.

A water tanker parked at a filling point in Mumbai

Will the latest restrictions affect the real estate and entertainment sectors? What is BMC's plan to address the financial impact of these decisions?
The real estate sector is not significantly dependent on municipal water supply, so the impact on construction activity is expected to be minimal. For the entertainment sector, BMC supplies water primarily for potable purposes. Considering the delayed monsoon and forecasts of lower rainfall, we have increased the water cut for commercial establishments, including the entertainment sector, to 20 per cent. We do not expect these measures to significantly affect commercial or entertainment activities.

A worker fills a water tanker that will supply residential and commercial establishments across Mumbai. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

What is the plan if the monsoon remains weak and lake levels do not reach 100 per cent by the end of the season?
If the lakes do not fill to 100 per cent capacity by the end of the monsoon, we will assess the available water stock and formulate a strategy for the next dry season accordingly. This could include implementing water cuts from the beginning of the dry season itself and imposing stricter restrictions on non-potable uses of water to ensure that essential supply is maintained.