Dams supplying water to Mumbai are nearly full, yet a housing society in the heart of the city is forced to depend on water tankers every day. The Sion-based Municipal Shivranjani Society, as its name suggests, is home to several former and serving Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, but it has not been able to secure adequate water supply from the civic body.
The society has been struggling with water shortages since October last year. When members approached the F North ward office of the BMC, officials carried out an internal inquiry and informed them that their underground pipeline was damaged. Rather than replacing it, the society was advised to install a new line above the ground. However, residents’ water woes were far from over as the society now receives a fraction of the amount of water it used to receive daily.
Society members, most of whom are retired civic officials
Residents told mid-day on Friday that they want a permanent solution. Seema Sathe, a former BMC meter supervisor, said, “Earlier, we used to get water 24×7, but now the supply is insufficient. It was BMC’s fault for wrongly suggesting that we install an above-ground line instead of replacing the old pipeline. We have to wait until 8 am for water to begin our day.”
Another resident, Sunita Joshi, a former BMC administrative officer, added, “When I was a BMC employee, I ensured citizens received water, but today we are helpless. Every day, our society spends Rs 3000 on tanker water, and we require four tanker loads of water. This issue should be resolved as soon as possible.”
Anita Prabhu-Ghate, a retired head clerk of the BMC, said, “Earlier, our society received 47,000 litres of water daily. Now we get only 12,000 to 15,000 litres per day, which is not sufficient. Water is a basic necessity, and we should not be deprived of it.”
Anagha Parab, the society’s secretary and a former LIC officer, said, “Our society spent Rs 55,000 after BMC officials advised us to fix a new above-ground line. Because of this mistake, we are suffering. The water received via the new pipeline is far from sufficient.”
Sudha Khire, former municipal secretary, pointed out, “Most residents here are senior citizens. We are completely dependent on water tankers. Despite paying our BMC water bills, the supply is poor.”
Aparna Ghat-Kamble, another resident, said, “The society has 39 flats, which house about 150 residents. For 40 years, we have lived here, but this is the first time we are facing such a crisis. The BMC must provide us with sufficient water.”
BMC’s response
Arun Kshirsagar, assistant municipal commissioner of F North ward, said, “We are working on resolving the issue. Our water department is handling it.”
Nitin Hawelikar, who is in charge of the water department at F North ward, explained, “Yes, the society complained last October. The officer who was in charge of the case handled things incorrectly. Replacing the underground line was difficult due to trees and road-digging challenges. That’s why the society was advised to install a line above ground. But now we are planning to lay a proper underground pipeline once we get permission to dig the road. During the monsoon, excavation work is not permitted. The problem will be solved soon.” He added, “The society was actually receiving extra water earlier. As per BMC rules, we provide 135 litres per person per day. However, Shivranjani Society was receiving 47,000 litres, which was above this limit. They are now receiving less water, but we will ensure the issue is resolved soon.”
47,000 Litres
Amount of water society used to receive daily
12,000-15,000 Litres
Amount of water society receives now per day
