08 January,2011 07:39 AM IST | | Rinkita Gurav
Negligence in repairing a pipeline leakage for past 3 months has led to water cuts in SoBo
SoBo residents will have to face water cut till today evening. You can blame the BMC for its negligence, as a leak in a pipeline in Dharavi since past three months that worsened on Thursday.
According to residents, the pipeline was leaking at Bhandarwada at Dharavi anchor block for the past three months and the BMC ignored the regular complaints made by them.
Dharavi residents said that water collected in houses next to the pipeline
But because of increased water pressure on Thursday evening, the leakage increased manifold.
The BMC's hydraulic department was called in for immediate repairs that have led to 20 to 30 per cent water-cut in A, C and D wards in SoBo.
The supply to an adjoining pipeline was cut to carry out repairs in turn affecting supply to the Malabar Hill and Worli reservoirs.
The repair work is expected to be completed by today.
Residents complain
Vija Pol said, "We had called up BMC officials and they promised to look into the matter but nothing was done." He said that water had accumulated in the houses near the pipeline.
A social worker Prema Salgaonkar, who is working towards solving the problems of Dharavi area, said, "Two months ago the BMC workers had begun working on it but eventually left the work midway."
A BMC official at the spot said, "The structures around the pipeline make it difficult to work."
A SoBo resident, Mahendra Hemde who stays in Churchgate, said, "We received water on Friday morning but were told that there would be no water from evening onwards.
So, we have stored water for the next few days and have reduced water-related work like washing clothes and utensils. We will be using water wisely till the BMC is done with its work."
The Other Side
BMC Hydraulic Engineer Vinay Deshpande said, "The work on the leak will be completed in time and we will also keep a check on it." He said that water supply to Bandra (West) would also be affected.