Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, May 6: Amid concerns over a possible delay in the monsoon due to El Niño conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), authorities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have initiated precautionary water management measures to safeguard reservoir levels.

As part of the plan, a high-level meeting held on April 23 decided to regulate water supply in select urban areas to prevent shortages in case of below-normal rainfall.

Residents in Kalyan-Dombivli and Mira-Bhayander will face 24-hour water supply disruptions on May 7 and May 21. Supply from the Barvi Dam Water Treatment Plant will be suspended 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.

In addition, areas under Diva, Mumbra (except parts of wards 26 and 31), and Kalwa ward committees will experience a complete shutdown of water supply on May 7.

Several parts of Thane city will also witness a 24-hour water cut from 12 pm on May 7 to 12 pm on May 8. The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) said the shutdown is necessary to facilitate urgent maintenance work by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).

The works include upgrades and restoration of Barvi gravity pipelines 1, 2, and 3 connected to the Jambhul Water Treatment Plant.

Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to store sufficient water in advance and use it judiciously during the disruption period.

Officials clarified that the temporary cuts are precautionary, aimed at ensuring efficient water management and maintaining adequate supply in view of uncertain monsoon conditions.