India, June 12 -- Mumbai has missed its date with the monsoon, one of its seven lakes has run dry, and citizens are struggling with a 10% water cut. With the city's water reserves fast dipping - Mumbai has only 12.12% of its water stock left - the civic administration has decided to revive the 350 traditional open wells on municipal land.

The directive, issued by municipal commissioner Ashwini Bhide on Thursday to the assistant municipal commissioners of all 26 wards, is part of a precautionary strategy to manage water resources.

Chairing the monthly review meeting of various civic departments, Bhide instructed officials to immediately survey these wells, clean them, and make arrangements for rainwater recharge. The move comes amid fear...