In a significant relief to millions of residents, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has called off a planned water supply cut that was scheduled to affect large parts of the city. The decision was taken to prevent inconvenience on the occasion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Mahaparinirvan Day, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of followers to Mumbai.
Why the Water Cut Was Planned and Why It's Cancelled
The civic body had originally announced a 15% reduction in water supply across 14 administrative wards. This cut was planned to facilitate crucial maintenance work on the aging Tansa water pipeline, which is a vital artery supplying raw water to the Bhandup Water Treatment Plant. The work was slated to begin at 10 am on December 3 and continue until 10 am on December 4.
However, recognizing the massive public gathering anticipated for Mahaparinirvan Day, the BMC authorities opted for a postponement. The day marks the death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, and sees an immense influx of devotees to Chaityabhoomi in Dadar. Ensuring adequate water supply for both citizens and visitors became a top priority, leading to the cancellation.
List of Wards That Have Been Spared
The now-cancelled water cut would have impacted residents and businesses in the following 14 wards:
- A Ward
- C Ward
- D Ward
- G South Ward
- G North Ward
- H East Ward
- H West Ward
- K West Ward
- P South Ward
- P North Ward
- R South Ward
- R Central Ward
- L Ward
- S Ward
Residents in these areas can now continue with their daily routines without worrying about water storage or scarcity during the mentioned 24-hour period.
Implications and Future Rescheduling
The BMC's proactive decision underscores the administration's effort to balance essential infrastructure upgrades with major public events. The work on the Tansa pipeline is critical for maintaining the long-term reliability of Mumbai's water supply system and preventing major breakdowns.
While the immediate inconvenience has been averted, the pipeline replacement work is merely postponed, not cancelled indefinitely. The civic body is expected to announce a new date for the maintenance activity soon. Citizens are advised to stay updated through official BMC channels for any future announcements regarding water cuts.
This move is likely to be welcomed by citizens and community groups, who often face challenges during scheduled water cuts. It also highlights the civic sensitivity required when planning such works around significant cultural and religious observances in a bustling metropolis like Mumbai.
