Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 31: Mumbai's seven lakes that supply drinking water to the city have collectively reached 88.58 per cent of their total live storage capacity, holding 12,82,029 million litres (ML) of water, according to a report by the Hydraulic Engineer's Department issued on Friday morning.

The combined storage capacity of the seven lakes stands at 14,47,363 ML.

Four reservoirs — Modak Sagar, Vihar, Tulsi and Tansa — continue to overflow following heavy monsoon rainfall.

Modak Sagar has reached 100 per cent capacity with 1,28,925 ML of water after it began overflowing on July 23. Vihar Lake, which started overflowing on July 7, is also at full capacity with 27,698 ML of stored water.

Tulsi Lake is currently at 99.35 per cent capacity with 7,994 ML of water after beginning to overflow on July 7. Tansa Lake has reached 98.69 per cent capacity, storing 1,43,181 ML of water after overflowing on July 22.

Among the remaining reservoirs, Upper Vaitarna holds 1,74,007 ML, accounting for 76.64 per cent of its capacity, while Middle Vaitarna has 1,73,843 ML or 89.83 per cent storage. Bhatsa Lake, Mumbai's largest water source, has 6,26,381 ML of water, reaching 87.36 per cent capacity.

Upper Vaitarna recorded the highest rainfall among the lake catchment areas in the last 24 hours, receiving 68 mm of rain. Middle Vaitarna received 36 mm, followed by Tulsi with 21 mm, Modak Sagar with 14 mm, Vihar with 12 mm, Bhatsa with 11 mm and Tansa with 10 mm.

The Bhandup Complex recorded 13 mm rainfall during the period, taking its total seasonal rainfall to 2,285 mm.

According to officials, water release from Upper Vaitarna has remained suspended since July 6, while the Middle Vaitarna WSCPO gate has remained closed since July 6. Vihar, Tulsi, Tansa and Modak Sagar continue to overflow due to sustained monsoon activity.

The seven lakes — Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar and Tulsi — are the primary sources of drinking water for Mumbai.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a generally cloudy sky with moderate to heavy rainfall in Mumbai and surrounding suburbs on Friday.

The weather department has also warned of occasional gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph and advised residents to remain cautious while travelling, especially in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and falling tree branches.

Between 8 am on July 30 and 8 am on July 31, Mumbai recorded average rainfall of 4.67 mm, while the eastern suburbs received 7.33 mm and western suburbs recorded 5.11 mm of rainfall.