Mumbai : 17 Key Wards Brace for 15% Water Supply Reduction Amid Urgent Pipeline Overhaul

Mumbai – Residents across 17 wards of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are preparing for a temporary 15% reduction in water supply, set to take effect on December 8 and 9. The BMC has rescheduled the disruption from its initial plan for December 3 and 4, opting to postpone in deference to Mahaparinirvan Din, the solemn observance of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s death anniversary. With hundreds of thousands of devotees anticipated to converge on the city for the event, officials moved swiftly to prevent any compounding shortages.

The curtailment stems from essential maintenance at the Bhandup Water Purification Plant, where a critical 2,750 mm diameter pipeline from the Tansa Dam requires replacement. This conduit, vital for channeling raw water to the treatment facility, has reached the end of its serviceable life. Crews will dismantle the aging section and install a new one, a process demanding a full 24-hour shutdown to ensure safety and efficacy. The work will commence at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 8, and conclude at 10 a.m. the following day, minimizing broader impacts while addressing long-term infrastructure needs.

Affected zones span a mix of central, western, and eastern suburbs, underscoring the interconnected nature of Mumbai’s water grid. In the city core, wards A, C, D, G South, and G North will feel the pinch. Western suburbs including H East, H West, K East, and K West, along with P South, P North, R South, R North, and R Central, are also in the lineup. Eastern areas under wards N, L, and S complete the roster, serving dense populations reliant on consistent flows from Bhandup.

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BMC authorities urge households and businesses in these locales to conserve water proactively, stocking up on essentials ahead of the brief interlude. While the 15% dip is not expected to halt supply entirely, it highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in the city’s aging distribution network. This intervention, though inconvenient, promises enhanced reliability once complete.

For context, a separate 18-hour suspension looms in Kandivali and Borivali starting December 4, as noted in recent BMC advisories. As Mumbai navigates these upgrades, the civic body’s proactive rescheduling reflects a commitment to balancing essential repairs with public welfare during high-traffic commemorations.