Mumbai is set to experience a significant water supply disruption on December 8 and 9, as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) undertakes essential maintenance work affecting more than half the city. The civic authority has announced a 15 per cent cut in supply across 17 wards for a 24-hour period, prompting residents to store water and use it judiciously.
Officials explained that the interruption is necessary to replace the 2,750mm main water channel delivering water from Tansa Dam to the Bhandup Water Treatment Plant. “This work is critical to ensure long-term reliability of the supply system and prevent future disruptions,” an official said. The project involves upgrading an ageing pipeline that forms a key artery in the city’s water distribution network. The 24-hour maintenance window, running from 10am on December 8 to 10am on December 9, is designed to minimise operational disruption while allowing crews to complete the replacement safely. “Though the cut will affect daily supply, it is temporary and will improve efficiency and reduce leakage over time,” a BMC water department officer added.
Urban planners note that such interventions are essential in megacities like Mumbai, where infrastructure often ages under heavy demand. “Upgrading major channels ensures sustainable water delivery and protects communities from unforeseen shortages,” an expert in urban water management said. The BMC’s proactive scheduling demonstrates a commitment to maintaining system resilience while preparing for growing urban water needs.
The affected wards span key residential and commercial areas in central and eastern Mumbai. Citizens have been urged to plan ahead, store adequate water, and limit non-essential usage during the maintenance period. The BMC has also deployed additional teams to monitor pressure and ensure minimal inconvenience, including water tanker services for critical facilities. This maintenance aligns with Mumbai’s broader efforts to modernise urban infrastructure while promoting sustainable water management practices. Reducing wastage, repairing ageing pipelines, and improving system efficiency are core objectives for municipal authorities, especially given the city’s vulnerability to seasonal shortages and growing population pressures.
Residents are advised to stay informed via official BMC channels and cooperate with temporary restrictions. Once completed, the new pipeline is expected to enhance reliability, reduce leakages, and support equitable water distribution across Mumbai’s densely populated wards.
Mumbai BMC Announces Water Cut Across Seventeen Wards For Dec 8, 9
