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Mumbai to face 10% water cut from May 15 amid drop in lake levels
Mumbai's BMC announced a 10% water cut across the city starting May 15 due to low lake stocks and forecasts of a below-normal monsoon linked to El Niño. The move relies on reserving water from Bhatsa Dam and Upper Vaitarna, with potential impact timelines extending into August depending on reserve withdrawals and rainfall.
Why It Matters
The decision signals a tightening of water supply in Mumbai amid drought fears and El Niño-driven rainfall uncertainty, highlighting municipal governance and resource planning under climate variability.
Timeline
1 Event
BMC announces 10% water cut starting May 15 amid low lake stocks
April 28, 2026
During a pre-monsoon review meeting, BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide announced a 10 per cent water cut across Mumbai starting May 15 due to uncertainty over rainfall and forecasts of a below-normal monsoon linked to the El Niño phenomenon. She said the overall stock in the seven lakes supplying water to the city stood at 28.35 per cent, expected to last till July 6. The civic body planned to reserve water stock of 123 million cubic metres from Bhatsa Dam and 90 million cubic metres from the Upper Vaitarna reservoir. If the state government permits withdrawal of the reserve stock and the 10 per cent water cut is implemented, the available stock could last till August 17.