Mumbai Monsoon: Still Unwilling To Pour & Water Cuts!
The heavy showers in Mumbai city and some adjacent area in the first week
of July seemed to indicate that the monsoon finally caught the rhythm and we hoped
that rains would be regular for the rest of the season. But no, the
inexplicable unwillingness to pour showed up again from mid-July, particularly in
areas of Thane district. The skies, as in the month of June, remained mostly gloomy
with floating clouds contributing to the uncomfortable humidity. Even though
the temperatures were below 33 degree Celsius the real feel with 80—90%
humidity was around 38 degree! At times, the skies blackened hopefully with
occasional soothing sounds of thunder, but mostly it petered out without
pouring. There were, of course, a few incidents of showers, but not up
to the desired intensity and consistency. And now, the obvious happened! Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a 20% water cut from 5th
August, valid not only for Mumbai city but also for parts of Thane and
Bhiwandi.
Very heavy showers in Mumbai city in early part of July, leading to water-logging
on several occasions, ensured the overflowing of only Tulsi lake which is
situated within the city limits, but the remaining six major water supplying lakes
were much below the overflowing mark. Taking all the seven lakes into consideration
the water level is only 34% of the overflowing capacity at this moment while it
was 85% this time in 2019 and 83% in 2018. The BMC said that although Mumbai
city received heavy showers in the first half of July the rains were not at all
sufficient in the catchment areas around Thane and Bhiwandi. As has often been
seen in the past deficient monsoon in catchment areas eventually leads to
severe water shortage from October onward. The BMC assured that with the expected
rainfall during August the cuts will be eased out gradually.
This month is our only hope for the monsoon to pour in these areas,
because from September the South West Monsoon normally starts withdrawing from
Maharashtra. There were water shortages and cuts in the past, no doubt; but in all
of my years in Mumbai I have never seen such unwillingness on the part of the
monsoon to pour and its adamant defiance of the weather forecasts on almost a daily
basis This has been witnessed from mid-May till now. Tired of watching the
skies for possible rains we often check the weather on our mobile screens, and
lo! So often we behold ‘thundershowers’ in full flow on the screens with the special
lightening effects. But, unfortunately, nothing of that sort happens in reality,
with the sky looking as gloomy as ever and the humid heat seeping into us. Yes,
Mother Nature has been angry with humankind since a long time, and has
demonstrated her wrath through the unending saga of COVID-19 forcing governments
take unprecedented measures and poor humans hide at home. We hope fervently
Mother Nature take mercy on us forgiving our sins, and pour Her blessings on us
in near future. Meanwhile, humankind must learn to be grateful, moderate and
reciprocating.
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