Dronagiri water crisis: 350 families depend on tankers

Navi Mumbai: More than 350 families at Akshar Estonia in Sector 47, Dronagiri, are facing a severe water shortage, with residents alleging that inadequate and low-pressure supply from CIDCO has forced the society to depend heavily on private tankers.

Residents claim the society spends nearly Rs 5 lakh a month on tanker water and has spent around Rs 1.5 crore over the past three years. They said, “CIDCO’s alternate-day water supply plan has failed to meet the society’s growing requirements.”

According to residents, low pressure often prevents the supply from filling the society’s underground storage tanks adequately. Technical issues in the main pipeline receiving water from the Hetawane dam, along with frequent shutdowns, have further disrupted supply.

“We have more than 350 families in our society. Because CIDCO's water supply is insufficient, we are forced to spend around Rs 5 lakh every month on tanker water. The expenditure has reached nearly Rs 1.5 crore in three years. We have repeatedly written to CIDCO and pursued the matter, but there is still no permanent solution. We will now approach the court for relief,” said K. N. Bhat, president of Akshar Estonia society.

Another resident said, “The shortage is disrupting daily household activities and has raised concerns about the quality and safety of tanker water. Some also reported health-related concerns linked to its use.”

With Dronagiri’s population growing rapidly, residents have urged CIDCO to strengthen the water-supply network and provide a reliable, permanent solution instead of continuing tanker-dependent arrangements.