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Kalyan-Dombivli Choked by Foul Water Crisis
4 Apr
Summary
- Residents face over 60% water supply cuts during peak summer.
- Contaminated water smelling of sewage is being supplied.
- Aging infrastructure and illegal connections worsen the crisis.
Residents across Kalyan and Dombivli are experiencing a critical water shortage this summer, with many receiving water contaminated with sewage. Supply has been reduced by over 60% in numerous areas, forcing families to ration water and alter daily schedules. The situation escalated on March 30, when hundreds of women protested outside the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) headquarters, demanding immediate solutions.
Complaints of contaminated water with a sewage odor have been reported from various localities, including Govindwadi and Asholepada. Contributing factors identified include aging pipelines, some laid 25-35 years ago, alongside encroachments and illegal connections. These issues increase the risk of contamination from parallel sewer lines.
Daily life is significantly impacted, with some housing societies receiving only about 35% of their previous supply. In Dombivli East, residents report receiving less than half their usual water, with low pressure. Allegations of corruption and uneven distribution have surfaced, with some developers and large residential complexes reportedly receiving preferential treatment.
A KDMC engineer acknowledged the crisis, stating the current water quota is based on the 2011 census. With the population nearly doubling since then, infrastructure has not kept pace. KDMC is awaiting government approval for an additional 140 MLD of water supply to address the growing demand.
