Amid growing concerns over a possible delay in the monsoon, linked to the combined influence of El Niño conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), authorities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region
(MMR) have initiated precautionary water management measures. The move is aimed at safeguarding water reserves in case rainfall turns out to be below normal.
During a high-level meeting held on April 23 with the Water Resources Department, officials agreed to regulate water supply across select urban pockets. The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to maintain sustainable reservoir levels and avoid potential shortages in the coming months.
24-Hour Water Shutdown Scheduled In Two Phases
As part of the plan, residents in Kalyan-Dombivli and Mira-Bhayander will face a complete water supply suspension for 24 hours on two separate occasions: May 7 and May 21. Authorities confirmed that supply from the Barvi Dam Water Treatment Plant will be halted from 12 noon on May 7 to 12 noon on May 8, and again from 12 noon on May 21 to 12 noon on May 22, as reported in Mumbai Live.
Apart from the scheduled shutdowns, water supply will remain entirely suspended on May 7 in regions under the Diva, Mumbra (with the exception of certain parts of ward numbers 26 and 31), and Kalwa ward committees.
These areas are expected to experience a full-day disruption in line with the broader supply regulation exercise.
Several parts of Thane city will also witness a 24-hour water cut beginning at 12 pm on May 7 and lasting until 12 pm on May 8. The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) stated that the shutdown is necessary to facilitate urgent maintenance by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).
The repair work includes critical upgrades and restoration of Barvi gravity pipelines 1, 2, and 3 at the reservoir linked to the Jambhul Water Treatment Plant.
Localities Likely To Be Affected
The disruption in Thane will impact multiple neighbourhoods, including Rupadevi Pada, Kisan Nagar No 2, Nehru Nagar in the Wagle ward committee, as well as Lower Kolshet village under the Manpada ward committee.
Even after supply resumes, residents may continue to face reduced water pressure for one to two days, the civic body has warned. This is expected as the system stabilises following the maintenance work.
Residents Advised To Store Water And Cooperate
The Thane Municipal Corporation has urged residents in affected areas to store adequate water in advance and use it judiciously during the shutdown period. Citizens have also been requested to cooperate with authorities to ensure smooth execution of the maintenance and conservation measures.
Officials have emphasised that these temporary disruptions are precautionary in nature. The objective is to manage available water resources efficiently and maintain adequate supply levels in the face of uncertain monsoon patterns, ensuring that essential needs can be met even if rainfall falls short.
