Mumbai: Responding to a critical water supply crisis, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has shockingly suspended the issuance of new water connections for multistoried buildings exceeding four floors. Notably, this significant measure was announced by Mira Bhayandar’s Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Katkar as part of the ongoing efforts to manage escalating water shortages, where on contrast Mumbai is witnessing a surplus of water reserves.
The decision comes as water demand in the twin city surpasses 235 million liters per day (MLD), while the current allocated supply is just 221 MLD. The available supply is split between the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, which provides 135 MLD, and the Shahad Temghar (STEM) water authority, contributing 86 MLD. Unfortunately, the actual supply has dwindled to about 192 MLD, largely due to distribution losses, which account for roughly 15 per cent, along with frequent service interruptions from both water providers and issues related to unaccounted supply and theft.
Suspension to remain in effect till May, 2025
The suspension of new connections will remain in effect until the Surya Regional Water Supply Project is completed, expected by May 2025. This ambitious project, managed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), aims to enhance the city’s water supply capacity by delivering an additional 218 MLD to Mira Bhayandar, alongside 185 MLD to Vasai Virar. Ultimately, the Surya project will provide a total of 403 MLD from the Surya Dam located in Dhamani village.
Additionally, in connections with the water connection ban, the MBMC is accelerating efforts to upgrade the internal water distribution network across the twin-city. According to the MBMC registry, there are currently 44,887 water lines in Mira Bhayandar, comprising 41,683 for residential purposes and 3,204 designated for commercial and industrial use.
Mumbai lakes nearing full tank capacity
Meanwhile on the contrary, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that the city’s water reservoirs are nearly full. As of this week, the water levels in the lakes stand at an impressive 97.85 percent. The seven key lakes that supply drinking water to Mumbai—Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Tansa, Vihar, Tulsi, and Modak Sagar—are currently holding about 14.16 million litres of water.
