Mumbai: Water woes continue to haunt residents in Western suburbs

Water woes continue in Juhu-Koliwada, Andheri (west), Bandra and other areas of western suburbs as many residents complaint of low-pressure water supply and even no supply in few parts.

Even after four days since the problem has intensified, water supply in most parts of Juhu-Koliwada was not restored completely and residents were seen roaming with empty water gallon.

For almost one month, residents in the western suburbs are facing acute water shortage. Their problem began after the hydraulic department of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had announced a water cut from 10 am on September 25 to 10 am on September 26 as it had to connect the newly constructed Powai-Veravali tunnel to the recently constructed Powai-Veravali tunnel with the surface pipeline.

Due to cross connection of pipeline, the water supply was affected in areas like Millat Nagar, Yari Road, Versova, JVPD, Juhu-Koliwada, Santacruz West, Khar West, Gazdarbandh, Almeida Park in Bandra West, Beharaum Baug, Prathmesh Complex, Yadav Nagar, Jogeshwari West, Vile Parle, S V Road in Jogeshwari, Andheri East and Andheri West.

Since then, many areas did not receive water adequately. Residents of Sion-Koliwada alleged that some of the parts receive water while some had remained dry tap. "There is no respite despite repeated complaint," said Larson Fernandes, a resident.

On October 23, residents, as well as BJP corporators, staged a protest at ward office and they had also threatened that they would intensify their protest if water is not restored by October 28, a deadline which was given by civic authority.

While the civic officials claim that the problem in the water supply is due to a problem in the valve in Veravali Reservoir, and the same will be rectified by end of this week. However, sources claimed that around 5% water cut has already been implemented to maintain water level to meet needs up to July next year.

The civic administration claimed that they are withdrawing 3,800 MLD water from the reservoir every day and there is no cut in the water supply.

Normally, the civic body used to review the water level once a year. But, now every month, the water level will be monitored and accordingly take a decision will be taken. "If we use the same amount around 3,800 MLD per day, we can meet needs up to July 2019," a senior official from BMC's hydraulic department had informed standing committee members early this month. Now, the civic body will check the status of water level on November 1.

What Officials From The Civic Body Claim 

• Officials claim that the water supply issue is due to a problem in a valve in Veravali Reservoir
• The issue will be rectified by end of this week according to the civic officials
• Sources claim that around 5% water cut has already been implemented 
• Water cut aims at maintaining water level to meet needs up to July 2019
• Civic administration claims that there is no cut in the city’s water supply
• Officials claim that daily 3,800 MLD water is being withdrawn from the reservoir