Airoli, Kopar Khairane still face water crisis

RESIDENTS UPSET Although NMMC says it’s a technical problem, it also cites water theft and wastage as reasons for the shortage

Despite good rainfall in Morbe dam catchment area, there are still areas in the city which are reeling under water crisis. The two most populated nodes of Airoli and Kopar Khairane are among them.

Residents in several areas of Airoli and the northern part of Kopar Khairane are having a tough time as they get water only once in a day.

Those living above the third floor, say the water pressure is low and so the water supply that they get does not mean much.

The residents, who had been assured of 24x7 water, are not getting enough even for a few hours.

Manish Gehlot, a resident of Airoli, said: “NMMC has planned supply of water to the city as per a population of 12 lakh people. Water is being supplied as per 135 litres per capita.”

He added, “However, the fact is that population has increased in several areas and hence the water being supplied is inadequate. Instead of 320 mld water at least 380 mld water should be supplied to the city.”

While the southern areas of CBD Belapur, Nerul (barring sector 2 and 8), Vashi and Turbhe are getting adequate water supply, half of Kopar Khairane and 25% of Airoli residents are facing acute water shortage.

In the last couple of days, there have been over 20 complaints of lack of water supply from Airoli.

Geeta Pansare, an Airoli resident, said: “We hardly get two hours of water supply and have to stock as much as we can in it. Some of us have overhead tanks but they do not fill up.”

Morbe dams water level has risen to 80 m but the water stock is still just 65% and hence the NMMC is being cautious in the use of the available water.

The issue was to be raised in the standing committee meeing on Friday, but it was adjourned because the municipal commissioner was not present.