Thane to face 36-hour water cut from October 22 midnight as MMR bodies move to save water

Measures to conserve water have begun in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Rainfall after the monsoon has been below average and a water shortage is feared. For this reason, the civic bodies of Thane, Bhiwandi and Mira-Bhayandar have announced interruptions in supply. A 10% water cut is also under consideration in Vasai-Virar.

The steps follow directions from the state government, which has asked for supply to be reduced by at least 10% from October 16, 2026, so that the available water is conserved. Local administrations have been told to stop wastage, fix leakages and use treated wastewater for tasks that do not need drinking water.

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has announced that water supply will be shut in several parts of the city from midnight on Thursday, October 22, to the afternoon of Saturday, October 24. Taps will stay dry for 36 hours. The reason is that the Jambhul water treatment plant of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) will be shut at the scheduled time.

The shutdown will affect all areas under the Diva and Kalwa ward committees. Most of Mumbra will also be hit, with only some areas of wards 26 and 31 excluded. Water will also not come to Roopadevi Pada, Kisan Nagar No. 2 and Nehru Nagar under the Wagle ward committees. Kolshet Khalcha village in the Majiwada-Manpada ward committees will also see disruption.

The civic body has warned that water pressure may remain low for one to two days after supply resumes. TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao has asked officials to prepare a nine-to-ten-month micro-plan to improve water distribution.

Restrictions have also been imposed in Bhiwandi. Under measures by the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation, residents will get no water every Wednesday from 9 am to 3 am on Thursday, a stretch of 18 hours. Sandeep Patnawar, executive engineer in the corporation's water supply department, said the restrictions are being enforced in line with directions to reduce water consumption and conserve existing sources. Industries have also been asked to set up systems to reuse or recycle at least 30% of their total water consumption.

In Vasai-Virar, Mayor Ajeev Patil has directed that an all-party committee be formed to assess the need for a 10% cut in water supply. The committee must submit its report within eight days.