Mumbai: Residents of Andheri housing society spot worms in BMC-supplied drinking water

After receiving poor quality water for the past several weeks, residents of an Andheri West society got another shock a few days ago when the water provided by the BMC also contained wriggling worms. Residents of Empire Cooperative Housing Society in Azad Nagar, Andheri West, have raised concerns about the health threats posed by the contaminated water.

The 50 families residing in the Empire Cooperative Housing Society have reported receiving poor-quality water. Resident Vaishali Dhuri told mid-day, "Since the pipeline damage at the Metro construction site in November 2023, we have been getting bad quality water from the BMC. On top of that, for the past two days, we have been getting water with red-coloured worms. We have been buying mineral water to cook and drink."

The Empire Cooperative Housing Society collects water samples for testing today. (left) Two to three families have reported worms in the municipal water so far. Pic/Anurag Ahire

Dhuri added that the building receives water from the BMC pipeline in the morning and it is that water that has the worms.

Another resident who requested anonymity told mid-day that the housing society has complained to the K West ward about the issue.

"Is BMC trying to play with people's lives? Who will be responsible if anyone falls ill after drinking this water? It is high time that the authorities take serious note of this and solve the issue as early as possible," the resident said.

Empire Cooperative Housing Society's manager, Ravi Magar, said, "Around three days ago, a family complained about the worms in their water and two days ago, another family complained about the same. There appears to be some issue. A society member has complained about it to the BMC ward office. BMC officials visited and are investigating the matter. We will also be collecting water samples on Monday, which we shall send for testing on Tuesday."

A peculiar aspect of the issue is that while all 50 families have reported receiving dirty water, only two to three have reported the worms.

Despite repeated attempts, BMC officials remained unavailable for comment.

03
Approx. days since worms appeared