Introduction:

In the case of Gorai Villagers Welfare Association v. Hydraulic Engineer, Municipal Commissioner of Greater Mumbai, the Bombay High Court addressed the acute shortage of drinking water faced by residents of Gorai village, Borivali (West). The petition highlighted the struggles of over 2000 families, especially during the summer months, due to inadequate water supply. Despite timely bill payments, many families with piped water connections were deprived of water, leading them to resort to polluted sources or purchasing from private tankers at high costs.

Arguments:

The Gorai Villagers Welfare Association argued for immediate action to restore continuous water flow in all piped connections and ensure water supply to all residents, even those without formal connections. They emphasized the health risks posed by contaminated water sources and the failure of previous directives to address the crisis effectively.

On the other hand, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) assured the court of its efforts to provide water to the residents but cited difficulties due to ongoing construction. The BMC proposed employing four tankers for water supply, which the court deemed insufficient given the population’s needs.

Court’s Judgment:

The Bombay High Court acknowledged the constitutional and statutory obligations of municipalities to provide adequate water supply for domestic use. It directed the BMC to employ 10 tankers daily, each with a capacity of 10,000 liters, to ensure uninterrupted supply of potable water. The court also stressed the importance of ensuring the quality of water supplied, insisting on treated water meeting standards for supply. Additionally, it ordered the BMC to expedite the construction of the suction pump and underground tank to address the long-term water supply issues in Gorai village.