Murky water supply triggers health concerns across Navi Mumbai

Water with an unusual colour and appearance

Complaints of muddy, discoloured, drinking water in parts of Navi Mumbai have sparked concern among residents, with citizens questioning why the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) failed to alert the public despite days of complaints.

Residents in Airoli, Koparkhairane, Sanpada, Juinagar and Turbhe have reported receiving water with an unusual colour and appearance over the past week. While NMMC has maintained that the water is safe for consumption after testing more than 650 samples, many residents say the civic body should have communicated the issue more transparently and acted sooner.

NMMC Mayor Sujata Patil. PIC/X/@SujataP88512

The issue surfaced after a two-day shutdown of the Morbe Dam water supply system and associated pipelines. According to NMMC, sediments and fine particles settled in the pipelines got disturbed when water supply resumed, resulting in temporary turbidity. However, residents claim the problem persisted for several days.

People falling sick

Several residents have also linked the water issue to complaints of stomach ailments, including diarrhoea, dysentery and loose motions, reported in some localities during the same period. In Sanpada, residents alleged that even civic officials initially appeared unaware of the seriousness of the issue.

Corporator steps in

Sunil Kurkute, a corporator from Sanpada, said he had written to the NMMC Commissioner around seven days ago after receiving repeated complaints from residents regarding the discoloured water supply. "I raised the matter with the administration and sought immediate intervention, but there has been no response from the commissioner's office so far. Residents are worried and deserve answers," Kurkute said.

Kiran Nyaynit, a resident of Airoli. Pics/Kiran Nyaynit

Shaila Patil, chairperson of the K ward committee, said she would also write to the civic administration seeking a detailed explanation regarding the complaints and the measures being taken to address them.

Mayor orders inspection

Mayor Sujata Patil has announced a dedicated toll-free helpline, 1800222309, for citizens to register water-related complaints. She has also directed civic officials to visit complaint locations, collect water samples and share test results with residents. She is scheduled to personally inspect water quality testing facilities.

Resident Speak

Kiran Nyaynit, a resident of Airoli
"The colour of the water itself was enough to raise concerns. NMMC is now saying the water is safe, but nobody informed residents that there was a problem in the first place. We have been receiving water that was clearly not fit for consumption for the last five to six days."

MM Singh, a resident of Sanpada
"The official told me that checks had been carried out from Digha to Belapur and the water was fit for consumption. When I questioned him further and asked if he was absolutely sure, he asked for the name of my society and said NMMC staff would visit and inspect. If everything was already normal, why was another inspection needed?"