Demand to extend the deadline and fair access to water amid religious observances
Team Clarion
MUMBAI — Residents of Govandi, Shivaji Nagar, and surrounding areas in this Maharashtra metropolis are up in arms over a notice issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to disconnect illegal water connections. The notice, which will be enforced until March 18, has drawn sharp criticism for its timing. It coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, a period when access to water is crucial for fasting and religious practices.
The BMC’s ‘M East’ ward has posted notices in neighbourhoods such as Gajanan Colony, Lotus Colony, Abdul Hameed Marg, and Shivaji Nagar, warning residents that hydraulic department officials will inspect water connection documents. Households found without proper documentation will be disconnected from water, and those using residential connections for commercial purposes will also be penalised.
The move has sparked outrage among locals, who argue that the timing is insensitive and will cause unnecessary hardship. Zaheer Khan, a resident of Shivaji Nagar, expressed his frustration, saying, “The BMC’s decision to cut water connections during Ramadan is deeply troubling. Many people here don’t have the necessary documents, not because they don’t want to, but because the process is so complicated. If water is cut off during this sacred month, how will families manage?”
Residents claim that obtaining legal water connections from the BMC is a lengthy and cumbersome process, forcing many to rely on informal arrangements. Saeed Sheikh, another local, explained, “Getting a legitimate water connection from the BMC is a nightmare. The paperwork and delays are so extensive that people have no choice but to find alternative solutions. Govandi already faces severe water shortages year-round, and this notice only adds to our struggles.”
The issue is further complicated by the BMC’s policy of providing shared water connections, where one pipeline serves five households. This system has led to disputes over unpaid bills and unequal water distribution. Nafees Ansari, a social worker in the area, highlighted the challenges, stating, “If one person in the group doesn’t pay his share, the entire burden falls on the person whose name is on the connection. And when water pressure is low, fights break out over who gets to collect water first. It’s a mess.”
Local organisations and community leaders have stepped in to mediate, urging the BMC to reconsider its approach. Fayyaz Alam Sheikh, a member of the ‘New Sangam Welfare Society,’ shared his efforts to negotiate with authorities. “We met with the sub-engineer of the hydraulic department today and submitted a letter requesting an extension of the verification deadline until after Ramadan. Water is a basic necessity, and cutting off access during this time is inhumane. Instead of punitive measures, the BMC should focus on providing legal connections at reasonable rates,” he said.
Residents are also calling for an overhaul of the BMC’s shared connection policy, advocating for individual water connections to ensure accountability and convenience. Fayyaz Alam Sheikh added, “The current system is outdated. In today’s world, people need individual connections to avoid conflicts and ensure fair access. We’ve urged the BMC to consider this and communicate our concerns to senior officials.”
Despite the outcry, BMC officials maintain that the disconnection drive is in line with municipal regulations. However, residents argue that the corporation must consider the ground realities, especially during Ramadan, and adopt a more compassionate approach.
As tensions escalate, community leaders continue to push for dialogue with the BMC, emphasising the need for a fair and inclusive water distribution system. “We understand the BMC’s concerns about illegal connections, but this is not the way to address the issue. Cutting off water during Ramadan will only deepen the suffering of already marginalised communities,” said Nafees Ansari.
The standoff highlights the broader challenges of water access in Mumbai’s underserved neighbourhoods, where bureaucratic hurdles and infrastructural gaps often leave residents struggling for basic amenities. As Ramadan progresses, the hope is that the BMC will heed the community’s pleas and work towards a solution that balances regulatory compliance with humanitarian considerations.
For now, the residents of Govandi remain steadfast in their demand for justice, urging the BMC to prioritise their needs during this sacred month. “Water is not just a resource; it’s a lifeline, especially during Ramadan. We hope the BMC will listen to us and act with compassion,” said Zaheer Khan.
