Last year the stock was 88 per cent on July 30. The main reason for less stock is less rain in Bhatsa. The lake was 85 per cent filled on the same day last year, compared to only 66 per cent this year. Middle Vaitarna filled up to 90 per cent this year, but Upper Vaitarna filled up to merely 50 per cent despite more rain.

The BMC imposed 10 per cent water cut since July 1 when the lakes had less than 7 per cent stock.  “The stock is only 74 per cent compared to 90 per cent last year and there is prediction of a dry spell in August. Therefore, a review will be taken after a week in August and then a decision will be declared,” said Purushottam Malavade, chief engineer of BMC’s hydraulic department.