The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed engineers to undertake meticulous ward-wise and zone-wise micro-planning to minimise disruption during the ongoing 10 per cent water cut imposed across the city from Friday.
In a meeting held at the civic headquarters on Thursday, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar directed deputy and assistant engineers of the water engineering department to ensure regular water supply with adequate pressure despite the reduction in supply.
Why has the water cut been imposed?
The civic body said the 10 per cent water cut has been introduced as a precautionary measure due to a significant drop in water stock levels in reservoirs supplying Mumbai. The move aims to conserve the available water stock and ensure supply for a longer duration ahead of the monsoon.
Areas likely to face difficulties
According to the BMC, elevated areas, tail-end localities, distant neighbourhoods, and places with shorter water supply duration are likely to face greater difficulties during the water cut period.
Bangar directed officials to proactively identify such areas and prepare detailed remedial plans at the micro level.
Engineers have been asked to use their knowledge of local geographical layouts and distribution networks to prepare action plans and implement corrective measures immediately.
Ward-wise planning details and challenges faced during implementation are expected to be reviewed in the next water supply meeting.
Instructions to engineers and field staff
The additional municipal commissioner instructed engineers and officers to remain present on the field during the water cut period and maintain constant communication with residents, public representatives and corporators.
Officials have also been directed to:
Ensure strict monitoring of the water distribution system
Maintain regular water supply schedules
Address water-related complaints promptly
Keep senior officials informed about unresolved complaints
Provide updates to public representatives regarding water distribution and remedial measures
Bangar warned that accountability would be fixed if complaints are not resolved in time.
Crackdown on illegal water pumping
BMC also announced stringent action against people illegally installing electric motors or pumps directly on water mains and pipeline connections to draw excess water.
The civic body said such unauthorised pumping reduces water pressure in surrounding areas and can also increase the risk of contamination entering the water supply system.
Bangar stated that:
Illegal electric motors found during inspections will be seized
Punitive action will be initiated against violators
Repeated violations may lead to disconnection of water supply connections
Criminal cases will also be registered against offenders.
The civic administration has asked officials to create public awareness about the issue and urge citizens to avoid such practices so that water can be distributed equitably during the water cut period.
