With the Ganeshotsav festival approaching, corporators across party lines have urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to withdraw the ongoing 10% water cut, citing adequate water storage in the city’s reservoirs and continued supply problems in several areas.
The demand was raised during a meeting of the BMC Standing Committee on Wednesday, a day after a detailed discussion on Mumbai’s water shortage was held in the civic general body. Mumbai’s seven water reservoirs currently have around 96% water stock. Despite this, several parts of the city are experiencing low-pressure supply, while residents in some areas have also complained of muddy water.
Corporators questioned the civic administration over the continuation of the water cut ahead of Ganeshotsav. Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Shraddha Jadhav sought clarity on when the 10% cut would be withdrawn, while MNS group leader Yashwant Killedar criticised the administration over problems with water supply.
The corporators also raised concerns about ageing water pipelines, leakage and wastage, and the need to explore alternative water sources. BJP leader Pravin Darekar suggested that the 10% cut on residential water use be withdrawn while restrictions on commercial consumption continue.
Congress corporator Dr Ajanta Yadav also reminded the administration of its earlier promise to provide Mumbai with 24-hour water supply.
BMC urges residents to conserve water
The civic administration, however, has advised residents to use water cautiously. Additional Municipal Commissioner Vipin Sharma said that although reservoir levels are currently around 96%, rainfall has been below expectations and September has so far remained largely dry.
Officials cautioned that the situation could become difficult if rainfall remains inadequate. The administration said water storage would be reviewed after September, while rainfall in October would provide additional relief.
The BMC is also mapping Mumbai’s approximately 5,500-km water pipeline network as part of a broader assessment of ageing infrastructure. Officials said the exercise would help identify areas where pipelines need to be replaced.
The Standing Committee also directed the administration to prioritise drinking water supply to residents over restarting swimming pools.
The issue of the 10% water cut is expected to be reviewed after the Ganeshotsav period and based on the city’s reservoir levels and rainfall situation.
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