Residents of Charkop Sector 8 in Kandivali, Mumbai, have been grappling with a severe flooding issue caused by a burst water pipeline that went unaddressed for three days. The leak has flooded the lane that serves as the only access point to the main road, leaving many residents with no choice but to navigate through untreated sewage water. Despite repeated complaints to local authorities since Thursday, the problem has persisted, with no immediate action taken.
The situation has worsened for residents, especially with ongoing roadwork in the area. Since October 2024, one side of the lane has been blocked off due to concretisation work, and now the water leak has compounded their struggles. “The untreated water has been flowing freely, and now we are left with a flooded lane to cross,” said Milli Shetty, a local activist. “It’s becoming a real challenge for everyone who relies on this lane to reach the main road.”
The residents of several chawls and houses in the area are particularly affected, as this lane is their only route out of the locality. With the other side of the lane flooded with sewage water, residents are left to walk precariously on pebbles while dealing with untreated water. “We have been trying to contact the concerned departments for help since Thursday but got no response,” said Shetty. “Afterward, we spoke to the workers who were working on the road, and they finally took action.”
On Saturday, after persistent requests from residents, the workers created a temporary mud-bank to divert the leaking water into the sewerage line. This quick fix allowed the road to dry up for a brief period, but the leak continued, wasting valuable water. Sukwinder Gill, another resident, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that although the water flow was redirected, the wasteful leakage persists.
The pipeline issue has led to contamination of the water supply, as the soil from the ongoing roadwork has mixed with the potable water supply. “We get water only for two hours a day, from 12 noon to 2 pm. Since the leakage started, the water we receive has been muddy, which has contaminated the water in our overhead tanks,” said Bhumika Malhotra, a resident for over a decade. “We are now forced to rely on bottled water to meet our daily needs.”
A contract worker from the water supply department revealed that both the old and new pipelines are in use, with the old pipeline still operational despite the new one being the primary source. “The old pipeline burst because heavy vehicles carrying cement put undue pressure on it while passing over the road,” the worker explained. “However, we have now disabled the old pipeline to prevent further issues.”
In response to the complaints, the water supply department assured that they had received the report about the leakage and were in the process of resolving the matter. “We have started working on fixing the issue, and we are reviewing the situation. Necessary actions will be taken to restore the water supply and prevent further problems,” a department spokesperson stated.
The situation in Charkop Sector 8 highlights the importance of prompt attention to infrastructure issues, as the delay in addressing the pipeline burst has disrupted residents’ access and contaminated their water supply. As the authorities work to resolve the issue, the residents are left hoping that the situation will improve soon, ensuring their access to clean water and a safe route to the main road.
