The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) recently handed over possession of 864 homes in the redeveloped Naigaon BDD Chawl project amid much fanfare. However, the joy of residents who moved into the newly constructed high-rise buildings has been short-lived, as they are now facing severe water shortages.
Residents allege that despite moving into their long-awaited 500 sq. ft. rehabilitation homes, they have been struggling with inadequate water supply for the past two-and-a-half months. Many families are reportedly forced to fetch drinking water from other locations or purchase bottled water to meet their daily needs.
The redevelopment of the BDD chawls at Worli, N.M. Joshi Marg, and Naigaon is being carried out by MHADA’s Mumbai Board. While possession of completed homes in Worli was handed over in phases, 864 homes in Naigaon were formally distributed in a ceremony attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
As more residents shift into the rehabilitated buildings, complaints regarding water scarcity have intensified. According to residents, the five buildings housing the 864 flats receive water for only 10 to 15 minutes each day, and the water pressure remains extremely low. This has resulted in severe hardship, particularly for accessing drinking water.
Residents have repeatedly approached the Mumbai Board and local public representatives to address the issue. However, they claim that no effective action has been taken so far, leading to growing frustration and anger among the affected families. Many have questioned why the authorities rushed to distribute keys and hand over homes before ensuring a reliable water supply.
Responding to the allegations, senior officials of the Mumbai Board denied claims of an acute water crisis. They acknowledged that the water supply may be somewhat inadequate but attributed part of the problem to improper water management by residents. Officials alleged that excessive water wastage, including leakage from private water storage tanks installed in some flats, has contributed to the issue. They also stated that surveys had been conducted and notices issued to residents found wasting water.
Residents, however, have rejected these claims, maintaining that the fundamental issue is the insufficient water supply itself. They insist that the shortage is due to inadequate water distribution rather than misuse by residents.
With the problem persisting for months, residents have warned that they may launch protests if MHADA’s Mumbai Board fails to resolve the water shortage in the coming days.
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