Maharashtra: Ulwe's Ananta Towers residents protest outside CIDCO office over year-long water crisis

Ulwe residents protesting outside the CIDCO office in Bamandongari on Friday. Pics/Abhitash Singh

Angry residents of Ananta Towers in Ulwe took to the streets with empty pots in a ‘Handa Morcha' outside the CIDCO office at Sector-19, Bamandongari, on Friday. The protest began at 11 am, with slogans like "CIDCO wale chor hai (CIDCO employees are thieves)" and "Paani do (Give us water)", highlighting what residents call a year-long crisis.

15,000 affected

The township houses nearly 15,000 residents across 5160 flats in 43 buildings, yet the water supply remains inconsistent. Sandip Mutal, a resident, told mid-day, "We got possession in February 2025 and have been facing water problems every single day."

Sayali Kadam a resident, Sandip Mutal a resident and Anita Garje, a resident, along with her daughter at the protest

Women worst hit

Residents say working families are the most affected. Anita Garje, another resident, said, "Almost 80 per cent of women here are working. Sometimes we cannot even cook food due to no water." Sayali Kadam added, "Our children go to school without bathing. It is very embarrassing. Today I skipped work to protest. Even today, we didn't get water."

Taken loans, but no basics

Residents said they bought homes with loans and high expectations, but lack basic facilities. Sayali Kadam said, "First provide water to existing residents, then give possession to others." Residents have demanded adequate water supply, a functional STP, proper pressure across floors, and a clear infrastructure blueprint. Surve added, "CIDCO officials should stay in Ananta Tower for one month to understand our problems."

CIDCO response

A CIDCO official said, "The water issue is due to the summer. By April 30, the problem will be resolved, and from May there will be no issues." However, residents remain unconvinced, saying the crisis has persisted for nearly a year, turning into a growing issue demanding urgent action.

Residents Speak

Ajay Hegedkar
‘The absence of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has worsened the situation. For the past year, we have been using drinking water used for flushing and cleaning. This is shocking.'

Anita Garje
‘From the floors 12 to 15, water comes with very low pressure or sometimes not at all.'

Jitendra Surve
‘Sometimes we arrange for tankers ourselves. Sometimes CIDCO sends them, but only after pressure.'

Swapnil Patil
‘This is not a proper system. This is just a forced temporary adjustment.'