Mumbai imposes strict water rationing as monsoon rainfall hits 12‑year low

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced emergency water‑conservation measures after reservoir levels fell to just 10.35 % of capacity, leaving the city with roughly 40 days of supply. The monsoon this year is the weakest in 11‑12 years, with Maharashtra receiving about 75 % less rain than normal, a shortfall linked to El Niño conditions.

Effective 17 June, water to swimming pools and all construction sites is suspended, new construction connections are halted, and a 20 % cut is imposed on industrial, commercial and sports‑club users. Existing residential cuts of 10 % remain in place. The BMC also urged public agencies and large enterprises to use treated wastewater and alternative sources for non‑drinking purposes.

These steps aim to preserve drinking‑water supplies for Mumbai’s 12.5 million residents while the delayed monsoon is expected to arrive later in the month.