The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had promised 24/7 water supply to Mumbai residents, but issues like water cuts and pipeline leakages have persisted throughout the year. As BMC Commissioner is set to present the 2025-26 budget in the first week of February, Mumbaikars are hoping for relief from water woes.
The civic body has been working on curbing pipeline leakages, laying new pipelines, and constructing underground water tunnels. However, residents across Mumbai still face frequent water cuts due to pipeline issues. Despite lofty promises in previous budgets, BMC has struggled to provide a lasting solution to the water crisis. During the summer, water levels in reservoirs dropped, forcing a 10% water cut across the city.
Frequent Leakages in Aging Pipelines
BMC spends crores annually to replace old and damaged pipelines, yet leakages remain a major challenge. Most water supply pipelines in Mumbai are 50 to 100 years old, dating back to the British era. The aging infrastructure results in water loss and disruptions in supply. To address this, BMC is constructing water tunnels, especially for hilly areas and eastern suburbs like Ghatkopar, Chembur, Wadala, and Parel, which often face low water pressure. Although these tunnels were planned years ago, the project remains incomplete even in 2024.
25% Water Loss Due to Leakages and Theft
BMC has acknowledged that over 25% of Mumbai’s water supply does not reach residents due to leakages and theft. Despite being aware of the issue, the civic body has yet to implement permanent solutions effectively.
6,426 MLD Water Demand Daily by 2041
Mumbai’s population is rapidly growing. By 2041, the city’s population is expected to reach 17 million, requiring 6,426 million liters of water daily (MLD). However, the Manori and Damanganga-Pinjal water supply projects remain stuck in paperwork, with no progress on permissions or land acquisition.
Limited Progress in Potable Water Projects
BMC is also working on a project to make sewage water potable in Colaba, expecting to generate 12 MLD of drinking water daily. Although a consultant has been appointed and ₹20 crore allocated in the budget, the project remains in its initial phase.
Seawater Desalination Hits Roadblocks
For the past five years, BMC has attempted to desalinate seawater in Manori. Despite issuing multiple global tenders, the corporation has failed to attract contractors. The initial phase of the project aims to produce 200 MLD of desalinated water, with plans to expand to 400 MLD in the second phase. Estimated to cost ₹3,520 crore, the project was scheduled to begin in 2024-25 but has seen little progress.
Mumbaikars now look to the upcoming budget with the hope that BMC will prioritize water supply issues and implement sustainable solutions to address the city’s growing water demands.
