BMC Directs Water Department to Prioritize Contamination Complaints Amid Mumbai Supply Issues
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a directive to its water engineering department, mandating that complaints regarding contaminated water supply be resolved with the highest priority. This urgent instruction follows a significant increase in grievances from residents across Mumbai concerning low water pressure and irregular supply in various neighborhoods.
Special Review Meeting and Immediate Actions
During a special review meeting held on Thursday, senior civic officials emphasized the critical need to address all water-related complaints seriously and ensure timely resolution. The officials have been instructed to deploy dedicated teams specifically tasked with detecting leakages in water pipelines and executing repairs without any delay. Furthermore, the meeting stressed the importance of conducting immediate site inspections and implementing corrective measures wherever complaints of inadequate or low-pressure water supply are reported.
Infrastructure Challenges and Pipeline Risks
With numerous road development and infrastructure projects currently underway across Mumbai by the BMC and other authorities, water pipelines frequently require shifting or face the risk of damage. This ongoing construction activity has exacerbated the challenges in maintaining consistent and clean water supply to residents.
Specific Incident in Lokandwala
A notable incident was reported by Dhaval Shah, a resident of Lokandwala, who identified a major joint leakage near a water pipeline valve close to the Royal Classic Building. This leakage occurred while authorities were restoring water supply following diversion work associated with bridge construction at Shastri Nagar. "Water supply has been temporarily suspended due to the leakage, leaving the entire neighborhoods of Lokandwala, Sundervan, and Shastri Nagar without water," Shah stated.
BMC's Response and Restoration Efforts
A BMC official explained that the water engineering department is currently carrying out the diversion of a 750 mm diameter water main at the Shastri Nagar bridge. "Owing to this, water supply had to be suspended in SVP Mhada and Lokhandwala zones. Normal supply should resume by Friday night as per schedule, once the work is completed," said a hydraulic department official. However, it is often observed that the initial water supply after such suspensions tends to be contaminated, raising further concerns among residents.
Broader Water Supply Issues in Mumbai
This directive from the BMC comes in the wake of broader water supply problems across the city. Just a week ago, Congress MLA Amin Patel highlighted acute water supply issues in South Mumbai, alleging that residents in B and E wards are experiencing severe hardship due to inadequate and low-pressure supply from the Bhandarwada reservoir. These recurring incidents underscore the persistent challenges faced by Mumbaikars in accessing reliable and clean water.
