As many as 12 municipal wards in the island city of Mumbai and the eastern suburbs, which together house nearly 50 per cent of the city’s population, will face a 10 per cent water cut for 11 days, from January 27 to February 7.
The affected areas in the island city include Churchgate, Colaba and Cuffe Parade (A ward), Dongri and Bhindi Bazar (B ward), Kalbadevi and Chirabazar (C ward), Byculla (E ward), Lalbaug and Sewri (F South), and Parel and Antop Hill (F North). In the eastern suburbs, the areas that will be affected are Mulund (T district); Bhandup, Mahim, Kanjurmarg and Vikhroli (southern quarter); Ghatkopar (N district); Kurla (L district); Govandi, Mankhurd and Tilaknagar (M East district); and Chembur (M West district).
This is the second water cut announced by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in a week. Earlier, the civic body had imposed a Water cut for 44 hours from January 20 to 22 in various parts of the city.
According to civic officials, the water cut from January 27 is imposed to facilitate maintenance work on the pneumatic gate system of the Pise dam. A pneumatic gate system is a water control mechanism that regulates the flow and level of water in a dam and helps maintain flood levels. These doors are powered by compressed air to support steel door panels. Officials also said that a similar 10 per cent water cut will be implemented in parts of Thane and Bhiwandi.
“During maintenance, supply will not be at full capacity to avoid spillage and wastage of water and a ten per cent cut-off will be implemented. Therefore, citizens have been asked to use water with caution during this time,” an official said.
The official further said, “The water supply will also be done in a phased manner so that the amount of water is not wasted when the valves are opened for repair and maintenance work. As a result, the pressure of water supply will also be low.”