Residents of Gorai, Madh, Manori and Uttan have accused the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of using water supply disruptions to build support for its proposed desalination plant in Manori. Locals claim their areas have received little or no water for four days following their opposition to the project.
The controversy follows a protest on October 19, when fishermen and residents gathered at the Mumbai Suburban Collector’s office to oppose the proposed 400-million-litres-per-day (MLD) desalination facility. Residents said local ward officials subsequently informed them of a possible 50% water cut and showed them a notice concerning the reduction.
“We were told that Gorai, Manori, Uttan and Madh would face a 50% water cut. But for the past four days, we have not been getting water at all,” said Gorai resident Ronny D. “The BMC, it seems, wants to deliberately create more shortages to strengthen the need for the desalination project.”
Neville D’Souza also alleged that the disruption was putting pressure on protesters. “Leave aside a 50% water cut – we haven’t received any water for the past four days. We are agitating against the desalination project, but it seems they are putting pressure on us by depriving us of our basic rights. We are in talks with lawyers to move court tomorrow.”
Residents estimate that nearly 25,000 people have been affected. Many are obtaining water from nearby wells and lakes, while relying on bottled water for drinking.
The Watchdog Foundation has submitted a complaint to the BMC’s P/North ward office in Malad West, demanding an independent inquiry and suspension of the reported reduction. The organisation has also sought intervention from the National Human Rights Commission and Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, citing Article 21 of the Constitution, which safeguards the right to life.
However, a senior BMC hydraulic department official denied that any 50% cut had been announced for P/North or R/Central wards. The official said Mumbai was facing a citywide 10% reduction because of inadequate reservoir stocks.
“Due to the overall scarcity, there is a 10% water cut across the city. There may be some areas in Gorai and Manori that are getting less or no water, but it is a local issue,” the official said.
The official maintained that the water disruption and opposition to the desalination project were unrelated, advising affected residents to contact the hydraulic department for assistance.
The foundation has called for transparent technical justification and an independent assessment before any major reduction in supply is implemented.
Source: Hindustan Times
