Bhiwandi Water Crisis Deepens As Water Theft Cases Cross 100, Over 76 Illegal Bottling Plants Under Scrutiny
Bhiwandi, October 22, 2026: With residents across Bhiwandi struggling to secure adequate water for daily needs, alleged water theft, illegal connections and the reported operation of unauthorised bottling plants have raised serious questions about the management of the city’s water supply. While women in several localities are reportedly staying awake late into the night to collect water, long…
Bhiwandi is grappling with a severe water crisis as the city's water supply dwindles due to theft, illegal bottling plants and scheduled water cuts. Residents are forced to wake up late at night to collect water and face long queues when municipal tankers arrive. The Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) receives water from STEM Water Distribution and Infrastructure Company and BMC, amounting to 115 million liters per day.
However, the loss of water from Varala Lake, which provided an additional 5 million liters, has exacerbated the shortage. Restrictions imposed by the National Green Tribunal on Varala Lake usage have further strained the supply. The civic water supply department has introduced 18-hour water cuts every Wednesday, leaving residents in several areas struggling to meet their daily needs.
With over 100 water theft cases registered and 76 alleged illegal bottling plants under scrutiny, the civic administration is facing mounting pressure to address the issue. Car-washing centres are also consuming large quantities of water, prompting residents to question why these establishments are not subject to stricter checks.
The water management system in Bhiwandi is under intense scrutiny as officials seek to balance industrial and commercial demands with equitable water distribution for households.
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