January 9, 2026: As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections approach, residents of Abhyudaya Nagar in Ward No. 205 say they are witnessing a familiar pre-election ritual—official inspections, assurances and sudden visibility that, they allege, disappears once voting concludes.
For years, the locality has been grappling with four unresolved civic issues: unreliable water supply, frequent power outages, incomplete roadworks and redevelopment projects that have remained stalled indefinitely. Despite repeated complaints, written representations and multiple site visits by civic officials, residents say tangible improvement has remained elusive.
RS Mishra, who has lived in the area for decades, points to widening cracks in his 55-year-old building, calling safety a constant worry. “Inspections happen whenever elections are near. Files move, officials visit – and once the polls are over, everything goes silent,” he says. With redevelopment proposals stuck for years, many families continue to live in structurally unsafe buildings, fearing accidents, especially during the monsoon.
Water supply uncertainty defines daily life. Sonal Pandey, a homemaker, says households plan routines around erratic timings. “You never know how long water will come,” she says, adding that residents are forced to store water year after year despite assurances of a permanent fix.
Power disruptions add to the strain. Prashant Labde says sudden outages frequently disrupt studies, work-from-home schedules and small businesses. “There is no prior intimation and no clarity,” he says, noting repeated damage to electrical appliances.
Road conditions remain another sore point. Luv Rathod says streets are repeatedly dug up and poorly restored. “Repairs start just before elections and fall apart soon after,” he said.
Candidates contesting from Ward 205 have acknowledged these grievances. MNS candidate Supriya Dilip Dalvi said her campaign focuses on basic civic services. “Unsafe and dark streets in Abhyudaya Nagar will be illuminated. Water supply issues will be resolved with equal distribution. Jijamata Nagar will get permanent relief from monsoon waterlogging. Traffic congestion at Shrawan Yashwant Chowk will be addressed, and redevelopment will be handled transparently,” Dalvi said.
BJP candidate Varsha Ganesh Shinde said the issues have been raised with senior officials. “The water issue has been taken to the BMC Commissioner, who has assured an immediate solution through the installation of a water tank,” she said.
