Residents of Vasai-Virar continue to endure severe water shortages even after repairs to a faulty transformer that had disrupted supply. With low pressure and erratic distribution persisting, many are left with no choice but to rely on costly private water tankers.
Transformer Repair Fails to Bring Relief
Vasai-Virar, already grappling with chronic water supply issues, saw hopes rise when a malfunctioning transformer was fixed last week. The transformer failure had earlier resulted in power cuts at the Surya Nagar Water Purification Centre, shutting down the Kavdas Pumping Station and severely affecting water distribution across the region.
Despite the repair work, the situation remains dire. Water pressure is still insufficient, and supply remains inconsistent. Residents now question the efficiency of the much-publicized Surya water pipeline project, which was meant to enhance water distribution across the western Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Authorities Engage in Blame Game
The crisis has led to friction between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). While both agencies acknowledge the problem, they continue to shift responsibility onto each other. Meanwhile, the situation worsened when the transformer malfunctioned again on Monday evening, cutting water supply for over 24 hours in several localities.
Skyrocketing Costs of Private Water Tankers
With municipal supply failing, residents have turned to private tankers, leading to a sharp increase in water prices. The cost of a single tanker has surged from ₹2,000-₹3,000 to ₹6,000-₹10,000, further straining household budgets.
“For more than a week, we’ve had no choice but to rely on water tankers, and their prices have skyrocketed,” said S Dwivedi, a Vasai-Virar resident. His housing society now requires at least two tankers daily, drastically increasing expenses. Additionally, some residents allege that they have been forced to pay bribes to security personnel who control access to water valves, adding another layer of frustration to an already dire situation.
Surya Water Project Struggles to Meet Expectations
The Surya dam currently supplies 403 million litres per day (MLD) to Vasai-Virar, with plans to extend the pipeline to Mira-Bhayandar. However, the MMRDA-led project has faced repeated delays and setbacks, leaving residents skeptical about whether they will ever see a resolution to their water woes.
Municipal Corporation’s Assurances Bring Little Comfort
The Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) has assured citizens that efforts are being made to restore normal water supply as soon as possible. However, for those struggling to meet even their basic daily needs, such assurances offer little relief.
Until a sustainable and reliable solution is implemented, Vasai-Virar residents will continue to bear the financial and emotional burden of an inadequate water supply system.
