Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Mumbai's Western Suburbs Face Water Crisis Ahead of BMC Elections
Imagine Mumbai has big water tanks, called lakes, that are full.
But people in the western part of the city, like in Goregaon and Dahisar, aren't getting enough water.
Some areas even get dirty water.
Local politicians are upset because they think the water isn't being shared fairly.
They say the western suburbs have more people but get less water than other parts of the city.
They met with a city official to ask for more water and to see a map showing how water is shared.
They also mentioned that water pipes are old and leaky, and sometimes water is stolen.
It's costing people a lot of money to buy water from tankers.
They suggested using water from wells for toilets to save drinking water, but the city isn't letting them.
A city official said they are working on fixing it soon.
Western suburbs of Mumbai are facing an acute water shortage despite full lakes.
Local MLAs met with BMC officials to demand equitable water supply and zone-wise distribution data.
Concerns raised include unequal distribution favoring the island city, aging pipelines, and water contamination.
Residents face high costs for tanker water, with suggestions for borewell usage for non-drinking purposes rejected by officials.
The water shortage is escalating political tensions ahead of the BMC elections, with a senior official promising a resolution.
- Who
- Residents of Mumbai's western suburbs, local MLAs, and BMC officials
- What
- An acute water shortage is affecting the western suburbs, leading to political criticism of the BMC for unequal water distribution and contamination concerns, despite full lakes.
- When
- Over the past few months, with recent meetings and demands occurring around Thursday.
- Where
- Mumbai, specifically the western suburbs from Goregaon to Dahisar, and the BMC headquarters.
- Why
- Attributed by MLAs to unequal distribution of water, likely exacerbated by population growth and aging infrastructure, occurring ahead of BMC elections.
MLAs' Demands
BMC Official's Stance
Equitable Water Distribution
MLAs' Demands
MLAs demand proportionate water supply to the western suburbs, arguing that despite a larger population and full lakes, they receive significantly less water than the island city. They cite unequal distribution as the cause of the current shortage.
BMC Official's Stance
A senior official acknowledges the issue and states that the BMC is actively working on it and expects the matter to be resolved soon.
Transparency and Data
MLAs' Demands
MLAs are demanding full disclosure of zone-wise water distribution data to understand the disparity.
BMC Official's Stance
No specific comment is provided on the demand for zone-wise data, but the BMC is aware of the issue.
Use of Borewell Water
MLAs' Demands
MLAs suggest allowing housing societies to use borewell water for non-drinking purposes (like toilets) to save drinking water, criticizing BMC officials for harassing societies over this.
BMC Official's Stance
Officials continue to 'harass' societies over borewell use, implying a lack of approval or active discouragement for this practice.
- Affected Areas
- Western suburbs from Goregaon to Dahisar
- Reported Issues
- Acute water shortages, contaminated water, low water pressure
- Water Source Status
- Seven lakes supplying Mumbai are full
- Meeting Participants
- MLAs Manisha Chaudhary, Sanjay Upadhyay, Yogesh Sagar, Prakash Surve; Additional Municipal Commissioner (projects) Abhijeet Bangar
- BMC Daily Water Supply
- Around 4,000 million litres
- Water Loss
- Nearly 34% due to leakages and theft
- Cost of Tanker Water
- Up to Rs 5,000 for 1.5 km delivery