Mumbai’s Powai lake overflows after heavy rainfall

Powai Lake in Mumbai, an artificial reservoir overseen by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), started to overflow on Wednesday morning after experiencing persistent heavy rainfall in its catchment area during the past two days.

The lake, holding 545 crore litres (5.45 billion litres), began overflowing around 6 AM, with water levels hitting 195.10 feet, according to the BMC.

In a post on X, the BMC shared a video of the lake overflowing. It further stated, “Powai Lake, one of the main artificial lakes under the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), began overflowing around 6 am today. With a storage capacity of 545 crore litres (5.45 billion litres), the lake’s water is non-potable and is primarily used for industrial purposes and non-potable uses in the Aarey Milk Colony. The lake has reached its capacity and started overflowing due to heavy rainfall in its catchment area over the past two days. As of now, the water level stands at 195.10 feet.”

The flooding of Powai Lake occurs during the continuous monsoon rains in Mumbai and other areas of Maharashtra. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts an overcast sky with increased heavy rainfall in the days ahead.

On Monday morning, numerous areas of Maharashtra, such as Mumbai, Pune, and Navi Mumbai, experienced both heavy and light rain. The Indian Meteorological Department has released a warning for intense rainfall in Mumbai. As per IMD, isolated significant rains are expected in Kokan, Goa, and areas of Maharashtra, Saurashtra, and Kutch between June 18 and 21. During this period, Gujarat may receive light to moderate rainfall between June 16 and 17.

“Light/moderate rainfall at most/many places accompanied with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds speed reaching 30-40 kmph likely over Gujarat State during 16th -17th June. Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Saurashtra & Kutch during 18th-21st; Gujarat Region on 18th & 19th June with very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Konkan & Goa during. 16th-18th, Madhya Maharashtra, Saurashtra & Kutch during 16th-17th; Gujarat Region on 16th June with extremely heavy rainfall (>20 cm/24 hours) likely at isolated places over Konkan & Goa on 16th June”, IMD said in its statement.