Heavy Rains in India Offer Lessons on Water Security
While Eswatini faces its own water management challenges, a recent story from India shows how unpredictable weather can test even major cities. Mumbai, a coastal metropolis of over 20 million people, saw its reservoir levels reach a three-year high after heavy July rains. This turnaround, from fears of drought to abundant supply, carries lessons for any nation dependent on seasonal rainfall.
How Did Mumbai's Water Situation Change So Quickly?
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), water levels in the seven lakes that supply Mumbai stood at 88.81 percent of total capacity on July 28. This is a sharp recovery from May, when stocks fell below 25 percent. The late arrival of the monsoon, delayed until June 30 due to El Niño conditions, had raised serious concerns. However, July brought 1,490 mm of rainfall, far above the monthly average of 919 mm.
Four of the seven reservoirs, Tulsi, Vihar, Modak Sagar, and Tansa, have now reached 100 percent capacity. The remaining lakes, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, and Upper Vaitarna, are also well stocked. This is a stark contrast to the same date in 2024, when levels were at 72.97 percent.
What Caused the Initial Water Shortage?
In May, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) projected below-normal rainfall due to El Niño. This natural climate pattern, which involves warming of ocean surface waters in the Pacific, often suppresses rainfall over the Indian subcontinent. Fearing a severe shortage, civic authorities imposed water cuts. The BMC supplies 3,850 million litres daily (MLD) to the city against an estimated demand of 4,300 MLD, leaving a structural deficit of 450 MLD.
Are Water Cuts Still in Place Despite the Rains?
Yes. Despite the recent surge, civic officials have stated that existing water cuts will remain until total stocks reach 100 percent capacity, which typically occurs by the end of September. This cautious approach reflects the reality that a few good months cannot erase the risk of future shortages. For Eswatini, which also relies on seasonal rains for agriculture and domestic use, this prudence is a reminder that water security requires long-term planning, not just reacting to the weather.
What Does This Mean for Eswatini?
Eswatini, like Mumbai, depends on a delicate balance of rainfall and reservoir management. Our own water infrastructure, from the Maguga Dam to the Hawane Dam, must be managed with the same discipline. The Indian example shows that even with modern forecasting and large-scale infrastructure, a single dry season can bring a city to the brink. For a small kingdom like ours, where every drop counts, the lesson is clear: we must invest in storage, conservation, and diversification of water sources.
As the rains in India ease temporarily, with the IMD predicting light to moderate spells and a new yellow alert for thunderstorms from Friday, the situation remains dynamic. But the underlying truth is unchanging: water is a resource that demands respect, foresight, and careful stewardship.
Photo: The Indian Express