As concerns grow over reports that Mumbai may have only around 40 days of water reserves left due to delayed monsoon rains and dwindling reservoir levels, entrepreneur and content creator Gauravv Saxena has called the situation a stark reminder of the importance of water conservation. Having travelled extensively and lived across Africa, Europe, and India, he believes the crisis should serve as a wake-up call for citizens to rethink their relationship with natural resources.
Speaking about the alarming reports, Gauravv said that the first word that came to his mind was “urgency.”
“Seeing that reservoir levels have dipped to around 10% really hits home. It’s a sobering reminder of how dependent we are on the rhythms of nature, specifically the monsoon, and how quickly a maximum city can become vulnerable. It shifts the perspective from convenience to survival very quickly,” he said.
According to him, urban lifestyles often make people take water for granted. He pointed out that many city dwellers rarely think about where their water comes from or the effort involved in bringing it to their homes.
“When you live in a bustling metropolis, water is just something that happens when you turn a tap. We don’t often stop to think about the journey that water takes from the catchment areas to our faucets. We’ve become disconnected from the source, and that disconnect is exactly what leads to the wastefulness we see in everyday life,” he shared.
When asked about his personal efforts to conserve water, Gauravv emphasised the importance of small, practical habits that can collectively make a significant difference.
“I’ve become much more mindful of the invisible waste. For me, it’s about recycling—ensuring that the water used for rinsing vegetables or fruits goes into the plants rather than down the drain. It sounds small, but if every household in Mumbai adopted just one such micro habit, the cumulative impact would be massive,” he said.
Gauravv also believes that public figures and influencers have a role to play in raising awareness about environmental issues, but in a relatable and authentic manner.
“Yes, but not in a preachy way. I believe in leading by example. If I’m documenting my travels or daily life on Beyond 9to5, I have a platform to show that sustainability isn’t just a chore—it’s a lifestyle. When you show your audience how you are adapting your own life, it’s far more powerful than just telling them what to do,” he explained.
Sharing a simple yet effective suggestion for citizens, Gaurav urged people to become more conscious of their daily water usage.
“I would ask everyone to audit their own wastage for just 24 hours. Just pay attention to every time the tap is running while you aren’t using the water—like while brushing or soaping up. Once you see the waste, you naturally stop doing it. Awareness is the first step toward change,” he said.
Addressing Mumbai’s residents directly, the entrepreneur delivered a heartfelt message focused on collective responsibility and resilience.
“Mumbai, we are a city of resilience. We’ve faced challenges before, and we always pull through because we look out for each other. Right now, our city is thirsty. The rain will come, but until it does, we have to treat every drop like it’s the last one we have. Don’t look at this as a government problem—look at it as our home. Cut the non-essentials, fix that leaking tap, and be the neighbour who reminds others that we are in this together. Let’s make every drop count until the clouds break,” he concluded.
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