December 12, 2025: Kannamwar Nagar in Vikhroli—one of Asia’s largest housing colonies—has been undergoing rapid redevelopment, yet residents say long-pending civic issues remain unresolved. Locals claim repeated complaints to MHADA, the BMC and ward officials have yielded either no response or only stopgap measures that fail to address deep-rooted problems.
Although the BMC handles utilities such as water supply, the land belongs to MHADA. Residents noted that once a building completes redevelopment and receives a ‘no-dues’ certificate from MHADA, societies are still billed for water by both agencies.
Suresh Sarnobat of Sai Dham Co-operative Housing Society said, “We regularly pay the water bill that comes from the BMC, which is based on readings of water meters installed by the civic body. However, we also get water bills from MHADA… The amount mentioned in the bill for October… is R31,60,320. On the other hand, we have already paid the full amount that was mentioned on the BMC’s bill… Why is there no coordination between MHADA and BMC, despite us complaining about it multiple times?”
Residents also flagged inadequate water supply. Before redevelopment, the locality had fewer than 10,000 homes; today, there are around 22,000. Yet, it still relies on six water tanks built in 1968. “How can it be expected that water tanks that were sufficient for 10 houses will suffice for 50 houses?” asked Sanjay Mayekar of Rang Rekha building.
Essential facilities are also scarce. Despite a population that far exceeds the 85,000 count recorded in the 2011 census, the area still lacks a vegetable market, fish market and a full-fledged civic hospital. “Today, we are completely dependent on vegetable hawkers… and we either have to go to Rajawadi Hospital or Sion Hospital,” said Prakash Sonmale of Samadhan CHS.
Traffic and parking issues have escalated since redevelopment increased housing density. Road conditions remain poor, and residents allege misallocation of MLA funds. Foul odour from the Kanjurmarg dumping ground continues to affect daily life despite large sanctioned budgets.
MHADA’s junior engineer Harish Kachuwa said efforts are underway to resolve double-billing. “Rectifications are in process, and those who haven’t used water will not be charged,” he said.
Source: Mid-day
