Mumbai : Mumbai’s drinking water quality has deteriorated in nine out of the city’s 24 wards, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Environmental Status Report (ESR) for 2024–25. The report indicates a concerning increase in the percentage of unfit water samples compared to the previous year.
Ward B, encompassing areas like Dongri and Umar Khadi, reported the highest rise in unfit water samples, with a 2.2% increase. Other affected areas include Ward G South (Worli, Prabhadevi, Mahalaxmi, Lower Parel), Ward H/East (Santacruz, Khar, and Bandra East), Ward A (Colaba, Cuffe Parade, and Nariman Point), and Ward T (Mulund).
In response to the findings, the BMC has intensified its water quality monitoring efforts, collecting approximately 150 to 180 water samples daily, with numbers increasing to 250 during the monsoon or in emergency situations. Despite these efforts, the report highlights the need for improved infrastructure and stricter enforcement of water quality standards to ensure public health and safety.
Conversely, the report also notes positive developments, with six wards achieving zero unfit water samples for the first time in three years. These include Ward C (Kalbadevi), Ward N (Ghatkopar, Vidyavihar), and Ward P North (Malvani, Madh, Malad).
The BMC’s commitment to enhancing water quality monitoring is evident, but the recent decline in certain areas underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining safe drinking water across the city.
