The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to continue Mumbai’s 10% water cut, despite the city’s reservoirs reaching around 96% of their combined storage capacity. Civic officials said lower-than-expected rainfall and the possibility of a weak September could put pressure on available reserves.
The decision came during the BMC Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday, where corporators across political parties demanded that the four-month-old reduction in water supply be withdrawn.
The administration, however, said the cut would remain in force for now, with officials hoping for additional rainfall in October to improve the city’s water position.
Corporators Raise Supply Concerns
The meeting saw widespread criticism over Mumbai’s ongoing water problems, including supply shortages, ageing pipelines, leakages and inadequate pressure in several parts of the city.
Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Shraddha Jadhav questioned when the water reduction would be withdrawn, while BJP corporator Shivkumar Jha accused the civic body of creating a “water emergency” ahead of Ganeshotsav.
MNS group leader Yashwant Killedar pointed to the city’s ageing British-era pipelines and inadequate supply in several slum pockets, saying residents could hold elected representatives responsible for persistent shortages.
AIMIM group leader Zamir Qureshi claimed that nearly 500 million litres of water is lost through leakages every day.
Concerns were also raised about supply in difficult terrain and densely populated neighbourhoods. Shiv Sena (Shinde) corporator Anjali Naik highlighted shortages in hilly areas of Chembur-Govandi, while Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Deepmal Badhe said several parts of Mulund and Bhandup continued to face supply-related issues despite earlier assurances of round-the-clock water.
Congress corporator Anjata Yadav proposed desilting wells and using the water for non-drinking purposes to reduce pressure on the municipal network.
BMC Defends Decision
Additional Municipal Commissioner Vipin Sharma said, “Mumbai’s lakes are currently 96% full, but rainfall has been below expectations and another weak September could put pressure on reserves. Available water stock needs to be conserved and used judiciously,” Sharma said.
He said the BMC is mapping around 5,500 km of pipelines within its 6,500-km network to identify stretches that need replacement. The civic body is also examining ways to make greater use of wells, springs and other natural water sources.
Officials said reservoir levels will be reviewed after September before deciding the next course of action. Standing Committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde also emphasised the need to develop additional local water sources and storage capacity.
The BMC introduced the 10% water cut from May 15, and despite the high reservoir levels, the civic administration has indicated that it will not be lifted immediately. Mumbai’s water supply will therefore continue to depend on rainfall patterns in the coming weeks and the city’s ability to conserve its existing reserves.
Source: The Free Press Journal
