Tulsi overflows; lifts hopes of rain in August

The Tulsi lake, one of the six major reservoirs from which Mumbai receives its water requirements, started to overflow on Monday, which is some relief from the fear of water scarcity.

The water flowing into the dam that creates the lake, began to overflow at about noon. Last year, Tulsi dam began to overflow on July 12.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation draws about 18 million litres (MLD) from Tulsi lake daily which is a negligible quantity given the actual requirement of 4,200 MLD.

In the context of the delayed monsoon and insufficient rain in the catchment area of the lakes, the civic body has cut down the supply to the city currently to about 3,750 MLD.

"So if the lake is overflowing our concerns are not yet over. The catchment region has not received satisfactory rain so far. More rain is necessary in the region of Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar and Tansa," said a senior civic official.

The BMC draws 55% of the water it supplies from Bhatsa, 17% from Upper Vaitarna, 15% from Modak Sagar, 10% from Tansa and 3% from Vihar.

"The water situation has not improved so citizens must use water judiciously," the official said.

On an average, July rains contribute about 35% to the water stock in these reservoirs, but this year the rain has not been sufficient. Now, the civic authorities are hoping that there will be better rain in August which traditionally contributes a similar 35% to the water reserves.

Water position as on July 28, 2014
Total water stock available: 3,73,244 million litres
Total water stock on this day last year: 11,41,283 million litres
Total annual water requirement (as on October 1): 13.50 million litres