Plug the hole: 26 leakages detected between Santacruz & Kalina

While most of the city is grappling with water crisis, at some corners, water is still going waste, thanks to leakages.

On Tuesday, an activist from Santacruz detected 26 leakages and five water thefts, with the help of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's Hydraulic Department.

Due to poor water level in the lakes, Mumbaikars are facing water scarcity issues even after the monsoons. Many pockets at the end of the water supply line on hilly areas, are getting water with low pressure. At the same time, thousands of litres of water is going waste due to leakages.

There were 26 leakages just between Santacruz Railway Station and Kalina. Most parts of Santacruz gets water in the morning between 5.30 am to 7 am.

Activist Crompton Texeira, along with K East Hydraulic Department personnel, conducted a drive to detect leakages. Texeira has been detecting water leakages for more than 15 years; even the BMC has acknowledged his efforts.

"In my opinion, there are many more leakages across the city. This is a major issue, considering we lose gallons of water due to such leakages. The BMC should appoint more staff and employ advanced technology to tackle this problem," said Texeira.

However, the Hydraulic Department officials do not concur. "Leakages are common and we deal with them on a priority basis. He updates us periodically about leakages and we repair them as soon as possible. I don't think there are so many leakages in Kalina," said a BMC official.

THEFTS REPORTED

Activist from Crompton Texeira detected 26 leakages and five water thefts in Santacruz area, with the help of BMC’s Hydraulic Department.