Navi Mumbai housing societies embrace water-saving measures as shortage deepens

NRI Complex in Seawoods, Navi Mumbai, where treated water is used to wash cars. Pic courtesy/ANURAG JOSHI

As Navi Mumbai faces one of its worst water shortages in recent years and concerns grow over a possible deficient monsoon, housing societies across the city are stepping up with innovative conservation measures. Residents are changing daily habits, restricting non-essential water use, and implementing sustainable practices to ensure that every drop counts. Their efforts offer a blueprint for other societies across the city as they prepare for a challenging summer and uncertain monsoon ahead.

Civic chief leads by example

NMMC chief Dr Kailas Shinde told mid-day, "Only my wife and I stay at the official bungalow. We use water only for essential purposes such as bathing. Since I spend most of my day at the NMMC headquarters, even my drinking water requirement is largely met there. Water conservation has to begin at home and every citizen must contribute during this challenging period."

Harbour View Society in Nerul, where water usage patterns are monitored. PIC/Abhitash Singh

RS Residency in Kharghar

Water conservation measures
>> Potable water supplied by CIDCO diverted exclusively for kitchen use
>> Borewell water being used for bathing and other domestic purposes
>> Residents have stopped regular use of showers
>> Bucket baths encouraged across the society
>> Reduced use of flush systems to save water
>> Society exploring methods to divert rainwater directly into borewells

Resident Speak

Binu Thankappan, society member
‘Residents have also stopped using showers and utilise buckets to minimise consumption. With the possibility of deficient rainfall this year, we are exploring ways to channel rainwater directly into borewells so that groundwater levels can be sustained'

NRI Complex in Seawoods

Water conservation measures
>> Washing machine usage reduced from daily cycles to twice a week
>> Unnecessary car washing discouraged
>> Treated water being used for car washing instead of potable water
>> Residents encouraged to reduce daily water consumption
>> Awareness drives conducted within the society

Resident Speak

Netra Shirke, local corporator
‘Earlier, many households used washing machines almost every day. Now, most families wash clothes only twice a week. Our society was among the first Navi Mumbai to use treated water for car washing, which has helped save thousands of litres of potable water'

Citizen Speak

Avantika Biswas, resident of a housing society in Kharghar
‘The issue has persisted for the past week. We are currently relying only on water supplied by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited and have not taken supply from any private services. Water is available only from 7 am to 10 am, and 7 pm to 10 pm daily. It has become very difficult as my flatmate and I work in South Mumbai on different shifts. We have to rush home to store enough water for the day," she said. Biswas added, "The borewell water has been very muddy and hard. I have avoided bathing with it and even got a haircut so the salon staff could wash my hair instead.'

Harbour View Society in Nerul

Water conservation measures
>> Residents requested to wash cars only once or twice a week
>> Washing machine usage restricted to two or three days a week
>> Regular awareness messages circulated through WhatsApp groups
>> Continuous monitoring of water usage patterns
>> Swimming pool use completely restricted to conserve water

Resident Speak

HN Prasad, committee member
‘Regular messages are circulated through WhatsApp groups to ensure everyone follows the guidelines. Every resident is cooperating to ensure that available water resources last longer during this crisis'

Inputs by Madhulika Ram Kavattur