Vihaar lake overflow raises waterlogging concerns in Mumbai

One of Mumbai’s seven drinking‑water reservoirs, Vihaar Lake, breached its banks on Tuesday night around 9 p.m. The lake, built in 1859 and holding approximately 27.698 billion litres of usable water, supplies about 90 million litres daily to the city.

Continuous heavy rainfall in the catchment area caused the water level to rise sharply, echoing an overflow event that last occurred on 18 August of the previous year. Being one of the smallest supply lakes, Vihaar cannot accommodate the excess, and the overflow was directed into the Sweet River.

Officials emphasized that the surge could aggravate water‑logging in low‑lying neighborhoods, urging residents to stay clear of flood‑prone zones and to follow official advisories.

The city administration reiterated its appeal for people to avoid unnecessary travel, respect weather warnings, and remain vigilant around areas experiencing inundation.