Mumbai water cut: BMC asks engineers to address complaints, ensure equitable supply

The Hydraulic Engineer Department has been asked to regularly review water-supply conditions in different areas, plan distribution as required, address imbalances in supply and ensure effective implementation of the water distribution system. Representational pic

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed its engineers to address complaints related to water supply by visiting the affected areas instead of attempting to resolve them from their offices.

Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar instructed officials to identify the root causes of complaints related to irregular water supply, low pressure, inadequate supply, changes in distribution timings, pipeline leakages, and other technical issues, and implement permanent solutions instead of temporary measures.

"After receiving a complaint regarding water supply, engineers should visit the site and identify the reasons behind the complaint. Necessary action should be taken accordingly. After the complaint is resolved, they should interact with local residents and verify whether the water supply has been restored," Bangar said.

The directions were issued during a review meeting of the BMC Hydraulic Engineer Department held at the civic headquarters on Friday. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Special Engineering) Purushottam Malvade and Deputy Hydraulic Engineer Mangesh Shewale were present at the meeting, along with executive engineers, deputy engineers, secondary engineers and assistant engineers from the department.

Mumbai water supply remains under 10 per cent cut

Bangar said Mumbai received below-average rainfall in August 2026 and is also likely to receive below-average rainfall in September.

He added that the city's water situation could be considered satisfactory only if the reservoirs supplying water to Mumbai have 100 per cent storage by September 30. As on Friday, September 4, the water stock in the various reservoirs supplying Mumbai stood at around 95 per cent.

"Until then, it is not possible to withdraw the 10 per cent water cut currently imposed across Mumbai," Bangar said.

Against this backdrop, he stressed the need for proper planning of the available water stock, effective management of water supply and measures to ensure uninterrupted supply to citizens.

BMC told to address areas facing greater shortages

Bangar said the 10 per cent water cut could particularly affect tail-end settlements, elevated areas, and other sensitive locations.

While some impact on water supply is expected due to the water cut, he directed the Hydraulic Engineer Department to intervene immediately if residents experience a shortage of more than 10 per cent.

"Considering the water supply zone, efforts should be made to provide water at full pressure on at least one day of the scheduled days so that adequate pressure can reach the tail-end areas," he said.

He also directed officials to inform elected representatives and citizens about the water cut currently in force and identify and rectify deficiencies in the distribution system without delay so that residents face minimal inconvenience.

Officials asked to regularly inspect affected areas

Bangar said civic officials and engineers need to approach water-supply issues with sensitivity and responsibility.

He directed officials to regularly inspect areas facing water-supply problems, identify the reasons behind them, and take necessary measures immediately. The departments concerned should also coordinate with each other to address deficiencies in the water-supply system.

Officials were further asked to maintain regular communication with local elected representatives and give priority to water-supply problems brought to their notice.

The BMC said priority should be given to minimising inconvenience to citizens and ensuring equitable and effective distribution of the available water.

After receiving a complaint, the officials concerned should directly interact with residents to understand their problems, resolve each complaint without delay and inform citizens about the action taken.

Officials have also been directed to provide residents with clear and factual information about the current water-supply situation, available alternative arrangements and measures being undertaken.

The Hydraulic Engineer Department has been asked to regularly review water-supply conditions in different areas, plan distribution as required, address imbalances in supply and ensure effective implementation of the water distribution system.