Mumbai: Water crisis worsens in Gorai as promised storage water tank project stalls

The ongoing water-related work in Gorai. Pics/By special Arrangement

When the Bombay High Court granted the BMC permission in February 2023 to construct an underground water tank in Gorai, residents hoped their long-standing drinking water crisis would finally be resolved. Nearly three years later, that hope has given way to uncertainty and growing frustration.

The proposed water tank was expected to include a suction pump to increase pressure in the pipeline supplying water from Malad's P North ward. However, residents say no such work has been carried out so far. In recent months, the situation in Gorai and nearby villages has worsened after changes in water supply timings, forcing families to reorganise their daily routines.

Royston Godinho, a member of the Gorai Gaothan Panchayat, said locals have received no official communication on the project's status. "We were waiting for the tank to be built, but nothing has happened. Workers have told us the project may have been scrapped because the old pipelines cannot handle higher pressure and may burst," he said. "Water now comes as late as 8 or 9 pm." Godinho added.

Sister Juliet Francis D'Abreo, a nun from the area, said residents were recently receiving muddy water. "We could not even fill our containers. The quality has improved slightly, but round-the-clock supply through proper storage remains a distant dream," she said. mid-day contacted the BMC's R Central ward for clarification, but no response was received till press time.