Mumbai is set to experience widespread water disruptions as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) undertakes critical maintenance and replacement work on the city’s primary pipelines. The planned interventions, involving a combination of complete supply halts and partial citywide reductions, are aimed at strengthening the resilience of Mumbai’s water network while reducing long-term leakage and improving distribution efficiency.
An 18-hour complete shutdown will affect Kandivali and Borivali, where engineers will connect two major 900 mm aqueducts to enhance future water flow. Scheduled from 1.30 pm on December 4 to 7.30 am on December 5, the shutdown will impact neighbourhoods including Chikoowadi, Jaun Pada, Gorai, Thakur Village, and Samata Nagar. Officials have advised residents to store sufficient water in advance, noting that normal supply is expected to resume by the evening of December 5. In parallel, a 24-hour, 15% reduction in supply will be enforced across 14 municipal wards, effective from 10 am on December 3 to 10 am on December 4. This measure coincides with the replacement of the 2,750 mm Tansa pipeline, a critical conduit supplying the Bhandup Water Treatment Plant. Affected areas include Colaba, Churchgate, Marine Lines, Dadar, Worli, Bandra, Khar, Santacruz, Andheri, Goregaon, Malad, Kurla, Powai, and Vikhroli. Residents have been urged to practise water conservation and maintain household reserves during this period.
According to a senior municipal official, these upgrades are part of Mumbai’s long-term water security strategy. “By reinforcing critical pipelines and creating alternate flow pathways, we aim to ensure more consistent pressure, reduce leakage, and strengthen the system against future emergencies,” the official said. “While temporary inconvenience is unavoidable, these measures will significantly enhance reliability for residents over time.” Industry experts note that such infrastructure upgrades are essential for Mumbai, a densely populated urban centre where ageing pipelines often contribute to wastage and uneven water distribution. By improving pipeline integrity and integrating modern monitoring systems, the BMC aims to support equitable access to water across residential and commercial zones.
The civic body has communicated clear instructions to citizens regarding storage, conservation, and responsible usage. These efforts, experts suggest, align with broader sustainable city objectives by reducing resource inefficiency and fostering resilient urban infrastructure. As Mumbai navigates this temporary disruption, officials emphasise collaboration with residents to ensure smooth execution, positioning these measures as vital for securing a reliable and sustainable water supply for the city’s future.
Mumbai Faces Major Water Shortages From December 3 Due To BMC Pipeline Work
