20lakh litres of water lost in Mumbai pipeline burst, BMC to demolish area’s illegal hutments

Mumbai city news: There were close to 2,000 slum structures on either side of the pipeline, of which 90% are illegal, said civic officials

Around 20 lakh litres of water were lost after a pipeline burst in Bandra’s slum-pocket around 10.30am on Friday. The force of the water killed two children and washed away a hut.

On Saturday morning, supply was restored by around 8 am after repairs were completed. (HT)

While the hydraulic department began repairs, parts of the island city and Bandra were reeling under a water-cut imposed from Thursday, said officials.

On Saturday morning, supply was restored by around 8 am after repairs were completed, said a senior civic official of the hydraulic department.

On Friday morning, eight-month-old Vignesh Doiphode and his nine-year-old sister Priyanka died after the 92-year-old pipeline burst at Bandra’s Indira Nagar slum. They children were playing outside their shanty when the tragedy occurred.

Civic officials said there were close to 2,000 slum structures on either side of the pipeline, of which 90% are illegal. “We plan to start demolishing these structures. Those who are eligible for alternative accommodation can avail of it after the monsoon ends ,” a civic official said. The Brihanmumbai Municpal Corporation (BMC) also plans to build a retaining wall along the pipeline in October.

Shanties leaning against pipelines are common in Mumbai. In 2009, the Bombay high court ordered the BMC to clear encroachments around the pipelines and said a 10-m buffer was necessary between the pipelines and the shanties. BMC officials are currently carrying out demolitions in Tansa in phases.