MUMBAI: Despite recent efforts by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to replace old water pipes in Andheri West, a severe water crisis has gripped Juhu Koliwada, Mangelwadi, Juhu Tara, and Indra Nagar.
Over 100 households have been without water for the past six days, with most families receiving no water at all, and a few getting a meagre supply for only ten minutes a day. This dire situation has left residents scrambling for alternatives, such as purchasing bottled water and tanker supplies, or resorting to borewell water. The crisis has escalated to the point where basic hygiene and sanitation are severely compromised. “I haven’t taken a proper bath in all these days,” said a resident of Juhu Koliwada. “I’ve spent over ₹3,000 on 20-litre water cans just to meet our basic needs for drinking and cooking. It feels criminal to waste drinking water on other uses.” Another resident from the Juhu Koliwada basti described the desperate measures they have had to take. “We are using borewell water for other needs, but it’s yellow and dirty because the borewell is next to the septic tank of a public toilet built 15 years ago. My wife has even developed a skin reaction due to using this water,” he shared.
The scarcity of bottled water has further exacerbated the problem. One resident reported ordering a 20-litre can in the morning but receiving it only by evening, as local shops struggled to maintain stock. “I need two cans per day, and I’m not sure when the next one will be available,” he added. The community has been actively seeking assistance from the BMC, frequently calling the 1916 helpline, but their efforts have been met with inadequate responses. The root of the crisis appears to stem from the BMC’s recent infrastructure upgrade intended to improve water supply in the area. Unfortunately, the replacement of old pipes seems to have disrupted the water flow instead. While the intent was to enhance the water distribution system, the execution has left residents in a precarious situation.
The lack of timely and effective communication from the BMC has added to the frustration. Residents feel that the civic body should have anticipated potential disruptions and arranged for alternative water supplies. The BMC’s failure to provide a clear timeline for the restoration of normal water supply has left many in a state of uncertainty and distress. This crisis highlights the broader issue of water management in Mumbai, where infrastructure upgrades often lead to unintended consequences. The BMC must prioritise not only the improvement of water supply systems but also ensure that such projects do not disrupt daily life. Effective contingency planning and communication with residents are crucial to managing such essential services. As the residents of Juhu Koliwada await the resolution of this water crisis, their plight underscores the need for robust and responsive civic management to prevent such situations in the future. The BMC must address these issues urgently to restore normalcy and ensure the health and well-being of the affected communities.
