Mumbai Water Crisis Worsens On Day 2 Of Tanker Strike; Chembur, Malad, Kandivali, Chandivali Face Acute Shortages

Mumbai: Mumbai's water woes worsened on Day 2 of the private tanker operators' strike, with Chembur, Malad, Kandivali and Chandivali facing acute shortages. Residents in these areas received only low-pressure BMC supply, with no tanker backup to meet daily needs. Meanwhile, Andheri, Sewree, and Sion continued to struggle for a second consecutive day, as there was no immediate resolution in sight.

Due to prior water storage preparations, most areas managed to avoid major disruptions, with only a few experiencing initial shortages on first day of the strike. However, on Friday, new concerns emerged as several neighborhoods reported receiving water at low pressure, compounding the challenges residents were already facing.

Tilak Nagar Colony in Chembur West, comprising around 160 buildings, faced a severe water shortage on Friday. Residents of Building No. 70 reported minimal supply from the BMC, and a strike by private tanker operators left them with no backup.

"The stored water lasted only till Friday morning. The building secretary visited the M-West ward office for updates, but by late evening, the supply had yet to resume," said a resident.

The Chandivali Citizen Welfare Association took to X to highlight the worsening water crisis at Lilium Lantana CHS: "No BMC water supply reached the society this morning, and with the ongoing tanker strike, residents are struggling to secure enough water. Despite BMC officials visiting after media coverage, frustration continues to mount. Many residents have had to go without basic hygiene, with some unable to attend work, while others left without even a bath. The demand is clear: BMC must restore an adequate water supply or arrange reliable alternatives to prevent further hardship," said the members of CCWA.

Vinod Gholap, from the Fight for Right Foundation, also expressed concern over the acute shortage of water in SRA buildings across Orlem, Valani Raipada, and Nutan Colony in Malad West. "Residents are desperately running around searching for water as their daily needs remain unmet," he said.

Anand Dubey, a resident of Malad East, expressed his concern, saying, "The Appa Pada and Santosh Nagar areas have been experiencing severely low water pressure over the past few days. The ongoing water tanker strike has only made matters worse."

Dr. K.K. Singh, the chairman of Evershine Halley Towers, Thakur village at Kandivali West, has written a letter to the Assistant Engineer (Water Works), R South, requesting to provide 10 water tankers. The letter highlights the acute water shortage faced by the society, where residents are struggling to secure even drinking water.