Bhiwandi to have 18-hour water shutdown every Wednesday-Thursday, 10% cut in supply

Rainfall in Maharashtra has been lower this year, pushing water levels in the state's reservoirs down. Anticipating a severe water shortage in the coming days, the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation has taken strict steps to manage water.

In line with government directions, steps are being taken with a plan to secure drinking water until August 31, 2027. To reduce the impact of drought-like conditions, a water cut of at least 10% has been in force in the city since October 16, 2026.

Under this, a major change has been made to the city's water supply through the STEM company. For technical and scheduled work by STEM and as part of the water-saving plan, a regular shutdown will be taken every Wednesday from 9 am to 3 am on Thursday, a total of 18 hours. During these 18 hours, water supply to the whole of Bhiwandi will remain completely shut.

The effect will not be limited to Wednesday. After supply resumes, water will come at low pressure and in reduced quantity across the city for another day.

Residents across Bhiwandi, falling under the corporation's ward committees 1 to 5, have been informed of the change through announcements made by beat of drum. Sandeep Patnawar, acting executive engineer (water supply department), said the present water crisis is very serious and a cause for concern. Using every drop of water with care has therefore become the need of the hour.

The administration has asked citizens to keep a few things in mind. They should store the full required stock of drinking water on Tuesday, before each Wednesday shutdown. They should avoid washing vehicles or courtyards with a pipe attached to the tap, or wasting drinking water, and use water at home very sparingly, only as much as needed.

When water comes after the shutdown ends on Thursday, people should not overuse motors and should fill water patiently. The administration has also appealed that the water crisis is not the administration's alone but the whole city's, so every citizen should act responsibly and fully support the corporation.

Given the uncertain weather and falling groundwater levels, the situation could worsen considerably in the coming summer if people do not stop wasting water now. Backing the administration's appeal, it has become essential for every resident of Bhiwandi to resolve to save every drop of water.