Amid rising summer temperatures and mounting pressure on the city’s water reserves, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has directed civic officials to take urgent and coordinated steps to ensure a steady and uninterrupted water supply across the city.
During a review meeting with senior officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s water department, the Mayor assessed the current water stock position and the growing number of complaints related to supply disruptions. She instructed officials to strengthen water management practices and optimise the use of available reserves to prevent shortages in the coming weeks.
Rising demand, climate uncertainty add pressure
Highlighting the challenges posed by Mumbai’s expanding population and increasing demand for water, Tawde stressed that traditional supply systems alone may not suffice. She pointed to the added uncertainty caused by changing rainfall patterns linked to climate variability, calling for a more sustainable and multi-pronged approach to water management.
With summer intensifying, the Mayor emphasised the need to explore alternative water sources while reviving existing but underutilised ones. She also underlined the importance of involving citizens more actively in conservation efforts to reduce overall demand.
Survey and revival of wells and borewells
As part of immediate measures, Tawde directed officials to compile updated data on all public, government and private wells and borewells in Mumbai and assess their operational status. The move is aimed at identifying additional water sources that can supplement the city’s supply during peak demand.
Referring to the 2009 water shortage triggered by deficient rainfall, she noted that the civic body had then relied on repaired public wells to ease the crisis. Drawing from that experience, she instructed that functional wells be prioritised for immediate use, while non-operational ones be repaired where feasible.
Officials have also been asked to conduct necessary testing to determine whether water from such sources can be treated and used for drinking purposes, instead of limiting it to non-potable uses like gardening and cleaning.
Housing societies urged to step up
The Mayor called on private housing societies to play a more proactive role in water management. She said societies should ensure regular maintenance and cleaning of wells and borewells within their premises and install appropriate water purification systems where required.
At the same time, she cautioned against excessive groundwater extraction, stressing that usage must remain within sustainable and regulated limits to avoid long-term depletion.
Rainwater harvesting key to long-term security
Looking beyond immediate measures, Tawde underscored the importance of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems in preventing future shortages. She urged housing societies to adopt such systems, noting their role in maintaining groundwater levels and improving long-term water security.
Citing an example, she said similar systems are already operational in her residential complex in Ghatkopar, combining rainwater harvesting with borewell purification and supply.
Call for collective responsibility
The Mayor concluded by stressing that ensuring a reliable water supply requires coordinated efforts from the administration, citizens, housing societies and industries alike. She appealed to all stakeholders to minimise wastage, promote reuse and adopt responsible water consumption practices during the summer months.
