Mumbai [India], September 9: A worsening water crisis in parts of Malad has triggered an all-party protest by corporators at a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ward committee meeting, with elected representatives demanding immediate action over complaints of low water pressure and dirty water supply.
With Ganeshotsav just days away, the issue has become a major concern for residents who have been struggling with inadequate and poor-quality water. The protest later moved outside the BMC ward office, where corporators raised slogans demanding that the civic administration resolve the problem without further delay.
Corporator Stages Sit-In With Empty Vessels
NCP corporator Ajit Rawrane staged a sit-in outside the BMC ward office to highlight the water shortage. He used empty vessels as a symbolic representation of the difficulties being faced by residents because of inadequate water supply.
Standing Committee member and corporator Tejinder Singh Tiwana also backed the protest and called upon elected representatives from different political parties to come together over the issue.
The water crisis was raised during the ward committee meeting, where corporators demanded immediate intervention from the civic administration, particularly with the festival season approaching.
Corporators Question BMC Officials
According to the report, a delegation was also expected to meet the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Zone 4 to discuss the water supply problems.
However, corporators alleged that local BMC officials were attempting to shift responsibility for the issue to the hydraulic department.
The response reportedly angered Tiwana, who questioned how the civic administration could remain indifferent when elected representatives were protesting over something as basic and essential as drinking water.
Following his intervention, corporators from different political parties joined Rawrane’s protest outside the ward office.
Low Pressure and Dirty Water Reported
Residents in parts of Malad have reportedly been complaining about multiple water-related problems, including:
- Low water pressure
- Inadequate water supply
- Dirty or poor-quality water
- Difficulty getting sufficient water for daily household needs
The problems have become particularly concerning with Ganeshotsav approaching, when households typically require additional water for preparations and celebrations.
Corporators have therefore demanded that the BMC take corrective measures immediately instead of allowing the issue to continue.
Protest Could Intensify If No Action Is Taken
The protesting corporators have warned that the agitation could be intensified if the BMC fails to take immediate steps to improve the water supply.
The show of unity among corporators from different political parties has also put additional pressure on the civic administration to address the complaints.
The issue is not limited to one political party, with representatives collectively demanding better water supply for residents in the affected parts of Malad.
Questions Raised Over Mumbai’s Water Infrastructure
The Malad crisis has also brought wider concerns about Mumbai’s water infrastructure into focus.
During the BMC House meeting, BJP corporator Anjali Samant raised questions about the city’s water supply system. She questioned how waste such as paan and gutkha sachets could enter water pipelines and meters.
Samant also called for greater use of tertiary-treated water for non-potable purposes, pointing to Navi Mumbai’s use of treated water for activities such as gardening and construction since 2010.
The suggestion highlights the need to separate potable water requirements from uses that do not require drinking-quality water, potentially helping conserve Mumbai’s freshwater resources.
Residents Await Immediate Relief
For residents in affected parts of Malad, however, the immediate priority remains getting a reliable supply of clean water.
With the festive season approaching, the pressure on the BMC to resolve the problem is increasing. Corporators have made it clear that if corrective action is not taken soon, they could step up their protest.
The latest development has therefore turned Malad’s water shortage into a larger civic issue, with elected representatives across political parties demanding accountability and immediate intervention from the BMC.
For now, residents are waiting to see whether the civic administration can restore adequate water pressure and improve water quality before Ganeshotsav begins.
