Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 21: After days of intense heat and humidity, several parts of Mumbai received light to moderate rainfall on Sunday morning, bringing relief to residents as the southwest monsoon showed signs of regaining momentum after a delayed arrival in Maharashtra.
Areas including Ghatkopar, Chembur, Mankhurd, Worli and Lower Parel recorded noticeable rainfall during the morning hours, with some locations receiving more than 20 mm of rain within a short period.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said atmospheric conditions have now become favourable for further advancement of the southwest monsoon across Maharashtra. Although the monsoon had entered South Konkan earlier this month, its progress slowed due to unfavourable weather conditions.
The fresh rainfall has raised hopes of increased monsoon activity in the coming days. However, Mumbai continues to face concerns over water availability due to delayed monsoon progress and below-normal inflows into the city’s seven lakes.
The reservoirs, which serve as Mumbai’s main source of drinking water, have not yet received enough rainfall to bring a major improvement in storage levels.
Amid the shortage, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has tightened water conservation measures. A 20 per cent water supply cut has been imposed on industrial, commercial and sports facilities.
The civic body has also halted water supply to construction sites and swimming pools and has stopped approving new water connections for construction activities until further orders.
Citizens have been advised against using BMC drinking water for activities such as vehicle washing, gardening, road cleaning and premises maintenance. Authorities have urged residents and establishments to rely on alternative water sources wherever possible.
Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts, including Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Gondia and Gadchiroli, indicating the possibility of continued rainfall activity.
While Sunday’s showers brought temporary relief to Mumbai, officials said the city’s water situation will remain a concern until the monsoon gains strength and reservoir levels improve.