The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a 10% water cut for Mumbai starting May 15 due to dwindling lake levels and concerns about an erratic monsoon caused by El Niño. Civic chief Ashwini Bhide stated that the current water stock in the city's seven lakes is at 28.35%, which typically needs to last until the monsoon onset. The BMC aims to stretch water supplies until at least August 17, even if rains are delayed. To achieve this, the civic body has requested an additional 237 million cubic meters of water storage from Bhatsa and Vaitarna lakes. Bhide emphasized the importance of conserving water during the pre-monsoon period, especially given the uncertainties posed by El Niño. Additionally, the BMC is utilizing data from the India Meteorological Department and AI-based models from Indian Institutes of Technology to enhance forecasting and planning for potential heavy rainfall events, allowing for more effective management of water resources.