Mumbai: Mumbai’s water stock has witnessed a significant decline as the city continues to experience above-normal temperatures for nearly three weeks. According to reports citing data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the water level in the city’s seven lakes stood at 45.08 per cent as of March 9, marking a six-percentage-point drop in the last 15 days. On February 24, the water stock was at 51 per cent.

Decision Regarding Water Cuts This Week

Civic officials have indicated that a decision regarding water cuts will be taken this week. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for Mumbai from March 9 to 11. This comes after the city experienced a heatwave between February 25 and 26.

Officials have attributed the rapid decline in water reserves to the ongoing extreme temperatures. If the current trend continues, water levels may dip faster than anticipated. Although an immediate water cut is unlikely, officials have warned that restrictions may be imposed in the coming months, especially with the monsoon still three months away.

Water Stock In Excess This Year, Compared To 2024

BMC officials noted that each percentage point of water stock roughly accounts for two to three days of consumption. The current stock is sufficient to sustain the city for approximately four months. Last year, during a similar period, Mumbai’s water stock was at 39.73 per cent, while in 2023, it stood at 45.23 per cent.

Officials recalled that in 2023, extreme daytime temperatures led to water cuts around May. Although the monsoon typically arrives between June 10 and 15, majorly rainfall in the lakes’ catchment areas often occurs later. This delay can put additional pressure on water reserves.

Reserve Water Stock Used Last Year By BMC

Last year, following a delayed monsoon, the BMC had to rely on reserve water after obtaining approval from the state’s irrigation department. However, the reserves were replenished once rainfall picked up in July.

Mumbai relies on seven lakes for its water supply: Tansa, Bhatsa, Tulsi, Vihar, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna and Modak Sagar. Of these, Tulsi and Vihar are located within the city limits, while the remaining lakes are spread across the satellite districts of Palghar, Thane, and Nashik. The total storage capacity of these lakes is 14.47 lakh million litres.

With summer intensifying and water levels continuing to fall, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. While immediate action may not be required, officials remain cautious and are preparing for any necessary interventions should the high temperatures persist.

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police has issued a traffic advisory for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 T20 cricket matches scheduled at Brabourne Stadium in Churchgate from March 10 to March 15. The advisory aims to ensure smooth vehicular movement and minimize inconvenience to the public.

According to the notification issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), Traffic, Pradnya Jedge, the restrictions will be in effect daily from 12 pm to 11:55 pm during the match days.

Traffic Restrictions & No Parking Zones

To prevent congestion, the Pay & Park facility on key roads near the stadium will be temporarily suspended, and parking will be prohibited in the following areas:

– Veer Nariman Road (Sunder Mahal Junction to Churchgate Junction)

– Dinshaw Vachha Road (Marine Plaza Junction to Western India Automobile Association Chowk)

– N.S Road (Sunder Mahal Junction to Air India Junction, both South & North Bound)

– Jamshethji Tata Road (CD Deshmukh Chowk to Churchgate Junction, both South & North Bound)

Additionally, all vehicles, except emergency services, will be prohibited from using these roads during the restricted hours.

Mumbai Indians Eye Top Spot In WPL 2025

On the sporting front, the Mumbai Indians will aim to climb to the top of the WPL 2025 points table, beginning with their match against the in-form Gujarat Giants on Monday.

Currently placed third with 8 points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of 0.267, Mumbai Indians have a crucial opportunity to secure first place by winning their upcoming matches against Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. A double victory would take them to 12 points, guaranteeing a top finish.

Finishing first is particularly important for Mumbai Indians as it would help them avoid playing a fourth match within six days, reducing player fatigue ahead of the knockout stage.

With both traffic arrangements and on-field action heating up, Mumbai is set for an exciting week of cricket and logistical management around Brabourne Stadium.

Mumbai: On the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, Aurangabad, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified that this tomb is protected under the ASI Act and he held the Congress government responsible for this.

He said that the government will take a decision regarding Aurangzeb’s tomb, but it will not be done in a hurry. He said that before taking a decision regarding the tomb, the ASI Special Act will have to be amended or some other way will have to be adopted. On the other hand, the demand for removal and demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb is gaining momentum.

BJP leader and MLA Nitesh Rane has said that just as bulldozers are run on religious places early in the morning, in the same way one day action will be taken on Aurangzeb’s tomb. After this statement of Nitesh Rane, the uproar has intensified.

Devendra Fadnavis, while speaking about Aurangzeb’s Samadhi on the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, has revealed the government’s policy on its removal. He said that if needed, the Samadhi and Mazar will be removed by amending the ASI Act.

Aurangzeb died in 1707, he fought the Marathas for 27 years. As per his wish, he was buried in the premises of his Pir Sheikh Zainuddin Dargah. According to the information given in the death certificate, Rs 1.4 million was spent on his burial.