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Mira Bhayandar, a twin-city in Maharashtra, is currently facing a water crisis as the delayed arrival of monsoon and low water levels in the dams have caused alarm. To address this situation, the water supply department of the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has implemented a 24-hour water cut every fifteen days until July 15. This article explores the reasons behind the water cut and highlights the challenges faced by the city in ensuring an adequate water supply.
The water crisis in Mira Bhayandar is attributed to the delayed arrival of monsoon caused by Cyclone Biparjoy. This delay has resulted in reduced water levels in the dams that supply water to the city. Of particular concern is the Barvi Dam in Badlapur, which is a major water source for the twin-city. Currently, the water level in the Barvi Dam is around 27 percent, indicating the severity of the situation.
To manage the water scarcity, the water supply department of MBMC has decided to impose a 24-hour water cut every fifteen days. This measure is being implemented until July 15 to ensure equitable distribution of the available water resources among the residents of Mira Bhayandar.
The Irrigation Department has been actively monitoring the water storage levels in all the dams to assess the severity of the water scarcity. This assessment will aid in devising strategies to overcome the crisis and ensure a sustainable water supply to the region.
MIDC draws water from Barvi Dam and supplies it to MBMC, as well as other areas such as Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali, and Navi Mumbai, along with various industrial belts. The twin-city’s current water supply requirement is over 225 MLD (Million Liters per Day), whereas the allotted supply is 221 MLD. The MIDC contributes 135 MLD, and the Shahad Temghar (STEM) water supply authority provides an additional 86 MLD.
Mira Bhayandar faces a unique demographic challenge as it falls in the tail-end of the district. This geographic location exacerbates the water woes, as the city experiences low water pressure due to frequent shutdowns and repair work on ruptured water lines. These challenges further compound the difficulties in ensuring an adequate water supply to meet the needs of the growing population.
Despite the mandatory installation of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems since 2009, the depletion of the groundwater table has resulted in severe water scarcity. This depletion underscores the need for sustainable water management practices and emphasizes the importance of conserving water resources.
Mira Bhayandar is currently facing a water crisis due to decreased water levels in the Barvi Dam caused by the delayed arrival of monsoon. To tackle this issue, the water supply department of MBMC has implemented a 24-hour water cut every fifteen days until July 15. The city’s water supply, although slightly below the requirement, is primarily sourced from the MIDC and STEM. Additionally, demographic challenges and the depletion of the groundwater table further contribute to the water scarcity. It is crucial for residents and authorities to prioritize water conservation and adopt sustainable water management practices to ensure a reliable and adequate water supply for Mira Bhayandar’s future.