Mumbai’s civic engineers have been directed to carry out ground-level inspections and find lasting solutions to water supply disruptions after complaints of shortages and low pressure were reported from several parts of the city. Greater emphasis has been placed on identifying faults in the distribution system rather than relying on temporary measures, as the ongoing 10% water cut continues to affect vulnerable neighbourhoods.
The city’s water supply situation was reviewed on Friday at the civic headquarters by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, along with Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Special Engineering) Purushottam Malvade and Deputy Hydraulic Engineer Mangesh Shewale. During the review, zone-wise water supply schedules were ordered to be examined, with particular attention being given to elevated localities and areas situated at the tail end of the distribution network.
Wherever operationally possible, at least one scheduled supply day at full pressure has been sought so that adequate water can be delivered to areas that are otherwise receiving inadequate pressure. The existing water-cut schedule has also been ordered to be communicated clearly to citizens and elected representatives.
Problems within the distribution network are expected to receive greater scrutiny. Leakages, pressure imbalances and operational deficiencies have been identified as areas requiring immediate attention. Regular field inspections have been sought, while closer coordination between civic departments and direct interaction with residents and local representatives have also been emphasised. According to Bangar, priority is to be given to minimising inconvenience and ensuring that the available water is distributed as equitably and efficiently as possible.
The directions have been issued as the 10% water cut, imposed across Mumbai on May 15, continues to affect several areas. Tail-end and elevated neighbourhoods have been particularly impacted, with low pressure and inadequate supply being reported by residents.
Concerns have also been raised by political representatives. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena group leader Yashwant Killedar said parts of Dadar had been affected by low-pressure supply for several months. It was suggested by him that the duration of supply should be curtailed instead of the quantity, allowing water to be delivered to homes at adequate pressure. The replacement of ageing pipelines was also proposed to reduce leakages and improve distribution.
Similar complaints were raised in Parel by senior Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Shraddha Jadhav during Friday’s ward committee meeting. Water shortages were said to have persisted in several parts of the locality for around a month, while residents were reported to be receiving water at very low pressure during the festive season. Immediate intervention by the civic administration was sought.
However, the continuation of the water cut is being influenced by rainfall and reservoir conditions. Below-average rainfall was recorded in Mumbai during August, while below-normal rainfall is expected in September. Around 14.47 lakh million litres of water is required in the seven lakes supplying Mumbai by September 30 to provide year-round water security. Storage was reported at approximately 95% as of September 4.
With the rainfall outlook remaining uncertain, the existing 10% water cut cannot yet be withdrawn, according to civic officials. In the meantime, improvements in pressure management, leakage control and distribution efficiency are being prioritised to reduce the impact on affected neighbourhoods.