20% water cut across Mumbai after pipeline burst floods Thane

The 72-inch Tansa main water pipeline burst around 2.35pm in the Wagle Estate area, with water rushing into houses and reaching as high as 10 feet in some parts. Traffic movement in Thane was also disrupted for hours.

The civic body has imposed a 20% water cut across Mumbai, after a pipeline burst flooded parts of Thane on Saturday.

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The 72-inch Tansa main water pipeline burst around 2.35pm in the Wagle Estate area, with water rushing into houses and reaching as high as 10 feet in some parts. Traffic movement in Thane was also disrupted for hours.

The pipeline has been laid on a 100-km stretch from Tansa lake to Mumbai. The impact of the water gushing out was such that the Thane fire brigade and the police had to rush to the spot to evacuate slum dwellers in the vicinity. Areas such as Vaishali Nagar in Mulund (West), Modella Estate and the Mulund check naka experienced flooding.

“Lakhs of litres of water have been wasted in the burst. We are yet to ascertain the reason behind it, but repair work has started. Until further notice, water cut will continue for the entire city,” said Ramesh Bambale, hydraulic engineer, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Areas such as Vaishali Nagar in Mulund (West), Modella Estate and the Mulund check naka experienced flooding. (Photo credit: Praful Gangurde)

Civic officials said the repair work was expected to be completed by Sunday evening. “Since the portion of the pipeline has to be separated to repair it, the quantity of water reaching the city will be affected,” said a civic official.

The rusty, century-old pipelines in and around the city and the encroachments surrounding them have been a cause of concern for years. While no one was reported hurt, several residents lost their belongings in the flood.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety of affected people, and then we can discuss solutions to problems such as encroachments. We will conduct a survey to ensure no one has drowned or been injured in the accident. We have asked the BMC to close the main water supply valve,” said Sanjeev Jaiswal, Thane civic commissioner.

The affected people will be given temporary accommodation in the Sunrise IT Park, Thane. TMC officials will carry out fogging in the area, to prevent the spread of diseases, Jaiswal said.

Areas such as Vaishali Nagar in Mulund (West), Modella Estate and the Mulund check naka experienced flooding. (Photo credit: Praful Gangurde)

Areas such as Vaishali Nagar in Mulund (West), Modella Estate and the Mulund check naka experienced flooding. (Photo credit: Praful Gangurde)