Mumbai's Water Cut Hits Hilly Areas Hard, Residents Depend on Tankers
Water cut hits city’s uphill housing societies hardest as tanker dependence surges

Image: Hindustan Times
A 10% water cut in Mumbai, effective from May 15, has severely impacted residents in hilly areas like Mulund and Bhandup, leading to increased reliance on private water tankers. Housing societies report receiving only 50% of their required water, prompting protests and calls for intervention from civic authorities.
- 01Residents of Yogi Hills Complex in Mulund report a drop in water supply from 0.6 million litres to 0.3 million litres daily due to the cut.
- 02The cost of procuring water has skyrocketed, with one society spending nearly ₹2.5 lakh (approximately $3,000 USD) last month.
- 03Quality concerns arise as residents report skin infections from using non-potable tanker water.
- 04Civic authorities acknowledge that hilly areas will face more severe water shortages due to topography.
- 05The Mumbai Water Tankers Association warns of increased pressure on the tanker network, with only 10-12 filling points operational.
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Since May 15, Mumbai has implemented a 10% water cut due to declining reservoir levels, significantly affecting residents in hilly areas such as Mulund and Bhandup. Residents of the Yogi Hills Complex report that their daily water supply has plummeted from 0.6 million litres to just 0.3 million litres, effectively translating the official cut into a 50% reduction in their actual supply. This shortage has forced housing societies to rely heavily on private water tankers, with some needing up to four tankers daily to meet their needs. The financial burden is considerable, with one society alone spending ₹2.5 lakh (approximately $3,000 USD) last month on water procurement. Additionally, concerns over the quality of tanker water have emerged, with reports of skin infections and unpleasant odors. Municipal authorities recognize that the impact of the water cut varies by terrain, with hilly areas experiencing more acute shortages. They are assessing the situation to possibly increase tanker supply to these regions, while the tanker network itself is under strain due to limited operational filling points. The BMC is committed to monitoring the situation and finding solutions to alleviate residents' difficulties.
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Residents in hilly areas are facing severe water shortages, leading to increased reliance on costly private water tankers, which may affect their financial stability.
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