1 in 5 civic plaints in city now about water supply

Bhopal: Complaints about water supply have surged in the city as summer peaks, with the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) reporting that one in five grievances relates to water.Officials say the majority of these complaints are tied to low water pressure, a problem worsened by the use of illegal pumps in several colonies that divert flow and leave neighbours struggling with trickling taps.On average, more than 25 of the roughly 6,000 complaints received each month on the BMC helpline are linked to water supply issues. A significant share of grievances also concern sewage-related work and repair.The crisis is being felt across the board. Even posh colonies, usually insulated from civic shortages, have reported erratic supply.At the heart of the issue is the Upper Lake, the city’s main reservoir, which has dropped to 1660.30 feet, well below its full tank level of 1666.8 feet. The decline has not reduced the volume available for distribution, putting pressure on the system as demand spikes in the heat.Residents across Bhopal have voiced frustration. “Every summer we brace ourselves, but this year feels harsher,” said one local shopkeeper in Jinsi.Officials acknowledge the strain but urge patience. “We are working to balance supply across colonies and curb illegal pump use,” a BMC spokesperson said.