Unlike last couple of years, water stock this year is quite encouraging as lakes have started touching the safe mark and still rising. Out of seven lakes, which supply the source of water for the city, six of them touched last year’s level and the monsoon magic makes Tulsi lake overflow and it is a good news. The overall water level stock at the same time last year has exceeded three times and some more spells of rains are awaited till September this year. Now the scene is set for withdrawal of water cut and water starved areas will get some relief after a long gap. However, the sound water resources position does not mean that we take things lightly and start using water beyond the limit stipulated per person. We should avoid overuse of water during the rainy season and witness water scarcity next year in a crowded city like Mumbai. It is time to save water through rain water harvesting system and keep some water reserved for tough times ahead if any. Presently water is for grab and the instructions to withdraw water cuts should be taken seriously. Citizens should preserve sufficient water to avoid a precarious position mid-way through next year.
Nickhil Mani
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
