For the past 15 days, residents of Bageshri CHS in Santacruz West have been grappling with contaminated drinking water, raising serious health concerns and causing daily hardship. Although the water shows only slight discolouration, which is not easily visible, residents say a foul, unbearable stench and altered taste make it impossible to consume. As a result, families have been forced to rely entirely on bottled and packaged water for drinking and cooking.

Several residents have fallen ill over the past two weeks, reporting symptoms such as stomach infections, nausea and fever, which they believe are linked to the contaminated supply. “The smell itself is enough to tell you something is wrong. Even before boiling, the water gives off a strong stench. It has been over a week that my wife and I have been suffering from an upset stomach. Some neighbours have also developed skin rashes and allergies. For me, it started with throat irritation, followed by severe stomach pain,” said Sanjay Patkar, a resident. He added that the situation has disrupted daily life, particularly for senior citizens and children.