Alarm bells for summer as Upper Lake recedes in December

BHOPAL: Like other parts of the state, the capital is staring at a major water crisis during the summer season. Due to less than normal rainfall for the past two years in Bhopal, most of the lakes are drying up much earlier than anticipated.

According to Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) official Rakesh Nigam, about 33 mgd of water is drawn from Upper Lake daily. "In mid-December 2017, the Upper Lake water level was 1659.30 feet, but today the level has been recorded at 1658.50 feet," said Nigam.
It is nearly a foot less than last year.With such a shortfall, on shudders to think about the plight of residents during the summer season. Nearly 30% of the state capital depends on the Upper Lake to meets its drinking water need. Water from the Upper Lake can be pumped up to 1662 feet. It is the only man-made lake in the country, whose water can be consumed for drinking. During the last summer, the water level in the Upper Lake had dipped to about 1645 feet. The full tank level of the lake is 1666.18 feet.
"It is too early to indicate how long the water would last. As for now, regular water supply is continuing. There are other sources of water, including Kolar, which have had a lesser impact of the deficient monsoon," Nigam said.
In a bid to overcome the reduced supply from the Upper Lake, about 40% of the drinking water requirement in Bhopal is being fulfilled through Kolar pipelines, while 30% of the city's water need is met by the Narmada pipeline.
Bhopal: Like other parts of the state, the capital is staring at a major water crisis during the summer season. Due to less than normal rainfall for the past two years in Bhopal, most of the lakes are drying up much earlier than anticipated.
According to Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) official Rakesh Nigam, about 33 mgd of water is drawn from Upper Lake daily. "In mid-December 2017, the Upper Lake water level was 1659.30 feet, but today the level has been recorded at 1658.50 feet," said Nigam.
It is nearly a foot less than last year. With such a shortfall, on shudders to think about the plight of residents during the summer season. Nearly 30% of the state capital depends on the Upper Lake to meets its drinking water need. Water from the Upper Lake can be pumped up to 1662 feet. It is the only man-made lake in the country, whose water can be consumed for drinking. During the last summer, the water level in the Upper Lake had dipped to about 1645 feet. The full tank level of the lake is 1666.18 feet.
"It is too early to indicate how long the water would last. As for now, regular water supply is continuing. There are other sources of water, including Kolar, which have had a lesser impact of the deficient monsoon," Nigam said.
In a bid to overcome the reduced supply from the Upper Lake, about 40% of the drinking water requirement in Bhopal is being fulfilled through Kolar pipelines, while 30% of the city's water need is met by the Narmada pipeline.