BMC Announces 10% Water Cut In Bandra, Khar West From 27 Feb

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a 10 per cent water cut in select areas of Bandra and Khar West, specifically in the H-West ward, from 27 February to 11 March. This decision comes as the BMC undertakes repair and rehabilitation work in the Pali Hill Reservoir, affecting water supply to the mentioned regions.

Areas affected by the water cut include Gazdar Bandh, Dilip Kumar zone, Pali Mala zone, Union Park zone in Khar West, as well as Dandpada, Kantwadi, Sherli Rajan, and some sections of Bandra West. The reduction in water supply is attributed to the ongoing repair of the 600-mm old water inlet main pipe of the Pali Hill reservoir.

A BMC bulletin emphasised that regular water supply to the H-West Ward will resume after 11 March, urging residents to cooperate and utilise water judiciously during this period. This move follows a similar disruption in water supply experienced from 16 to 21 February, when the BMC was addressing issues with the 600 mm diameter water channel at the Pali Hill reservoir.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the BMC awaits the report from an eight-committee, including members from IIT-B, regarding the structural stability of the Malabar Hill reservoir. While three committee members have submitted their reports, the remaining five are yet to do so, despite the completion of inspections on 18 December, 2023.

The Malabar Hill reservoir, a critical water source supplying south Mumbai and covered by the Hanging Gardens, has been slated for demolition and reconstruction by the BMC. This long-planned project, awarded in February 2023 at an estimated cost of Rs 698 crore, aims to address structural concerns and ensure a reliable water supply for the region.

As the BMC grapples with infrastructure challenges and maintenance projects, concerns about water scarcity loom large. The city's water stock in the seven lakes supplying water is reportedly dwindling, hinting at potential water cuts in Mumbai in the near future. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to mitigate the impact of water scarcity issues.