Mumbai Water Crisis: BMC Records Over 14,000 Leakage Complaints In 6 Months, Kurla And Andheri East Worst Affected
On one hand, while the BMC is working to develop alternate sources of water, it has failed to tackle the long-standing issues of water theft and leakages. According to recent data, the BMC received 14,087 complaints of water leakages between January and June 2025 alone. Kurla and Andheri East have emerged as the worst-affected areas, consistently reporting the highest number of cases.
BMC faces 14,087 water leakage complaints in six months; Kurla, Andheri East most affected | File Photo
Mumbai: On one hand, while the BMC is working to develop alternate sources of water, it has failed to tackle the long-standing issues of water theft and leakages.
Mumbai Reports 14,087 Water Leakage Complaints in First Half of 2025
According to recent data, the BMC received 14,087 complaints of water leakages between January and June 2025 alone. Kurla and Andheri East have emerged as the worst-affected areas, consistently reporting the highest number of cases.
Mumbai’s water comes from seven lakes— Tulsi and Vihar within the city, and five others located 100–175 km away in Palghar, Thane, and Nashik districts. Water from these lakes travels through 650 km of transmission mains and 6,000 km of service pipelines.
City Faces 1.5 Times Water Demand Surge by 2041
Mumbai receives 3,950 million litres (ML) of water daily falling short of the 4,463 ML demand. By 2041, demand is projected to rise 1.5 times to 6,900 ML per day. Despite heavy investment in replacing old pipelines, water loss has surged to 34%, up from 20% in 2009.
According to civic data, Mumbai recorded 96,496 water leakage complaints between January 2022 and June 2025, including 14,087 in the past six months. Complaints dropped from 31,447 in 2022 to 24,000 in 2023, but rose again to 26,962 in 2024.
Leak Detection Cell Disbanded Despite Rising Complaints
Vinod Gholap, president, Fight for Right Foundation noted that the BMC once had a dedicated leak detection cell, which was later disbanded. "Despite claims of replacing 80% of old pipelines, water loss has only worsened. If the network is fixed, why are leaks still rising?” he questioned.
ALSO READ
Corrosion, Urban Projects Blamed for Pipeline Damage
A senior civic official said, "Mumbai’s water pipelines, many underground and passing through remote, forested areas, are hard to secure and maintain. Corrosion from soil, silt, humidity, waste, and chemicals worsens leaks. Infrastructural projects in recent years have further damaged the network, causing the loss of crores of litres of water." However, he added that a 95 km tunnel network has also been laid to improve supply resilience.
RECENT STORIES
-
-
-
-
-