NMMC has embarked on an initiative to improve water supply access to the urban poor in slums and 'Gaothan' areas through upgrading of the distribution networks, providing the urban poor with continuous water supply via metered individual household connections/ group connections, and simplified procedures and reduced connection costs.




Navi Mumbai is a planned city with a population of 1.20 million . The water supply system in Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), which was maintained by the town development authority, was handed over to the Corporation in 1999. The water supply was inadequate to meet the growing needs of its population, especially the poor. The slums were provided with supply via tankers in slums and the 'Gaothan' areas through public standposts for one or two hours a day. There were no individual household connections, and no reservoirs or internal distribution networks extending to these areas. Low income areas were provided piped water supply twice a day for an hour approximately. The situation resulted in wage loss, long queues and PSPs, and conflicts for water.
In an effort to provide round-the-clock piped water supply to its poor, the NMMC adopted a comprehensive strategy to increase storage capacity and distribution network to fully cover slums/Goathans. No development charges were levied. The network was also upgraded to cover LIG/EWS segments, with no development charges. Household connections were provided to slum and Goathan residents at a reduced fee of Rs. 1500 (earlier Rs. 3500). Meters were also provided for free. Group connections were introduced. In order to simplify procedures and provide connections to the poor efficiently, the Ward Officer was placed in charge of connections. The technical staff of NMMC was placed in charge of providing assistance for connections in place of plumbers who used to charge a substantial fee. Provision was made for the water bill to be payable in monthly instalments and waiving off the fine on late payments. Further periodic consultations were organized with the communities as also weekly 'Janta Darbars'. Zonal meetings of NMMC staff were organized regularly to monitor and support the process of improving access to the poor. Officers were approachable and accessible, and the contact information of officers and contractors were displayed in public places - to facilitate interface. The work of providing SCADA for entire water supply system from the source of water upto the fag end of the main transmission line shall be completed in March 2010 to give NMMC full control on water distribution, and consequently ensure universal access.
NMMC ensures the participation of the citizen in all aspects of planning and monitoring. The telephone numbers of water supply departments and contractors are displayed on each ESR.GSR and published in news papers. The NMMC holds open meeting of all stakeholders, that include all government/private organizations and citizens every Friday under the Chairmanship of Minister (Janta Darbar). All the information is displayed on the website of NMMC. The Corporation arranges seminars and workshops on 24/7 water supply and water conservation. Additionally, advertisements, via electronic media, newspapers, street play, drama and bhajans, on the theme of water, are also organized. Zonal group meetings of officers and contractors are also held twice a month for review and remedial measures.
15,676 new metered household connections have been provided to the urban poor; a total of 94,533 connections in tenements, 57,728 connections in slum/Goathan areas and 1,839 group connections. 100% network coverage has been achieved in previously unserved areas, and connections will be provided by March 2010. NMMC has realized an increase in revenues from the new connection charges and regular bill payments to the tune of Rs. 12 crores. Due to household connections, pilferage and wastage has been reduced, and average LPCD has come down. Complaints from citizens on water issues are almost nil. A reduction in water-borne diseases has been reported. Due to ample availability of water, the work of sewerage network & public toilets has also resulted in successful safe sanitation interventions.

For further details, contact:

Mr. Vijay Nahata IAS
Municipal Commissioner
Belapur Bhavan, First Floor, CBD Belapur
Navi Mumbai - 400614, Maharashtra
Ph: 022 - 27575700
Fax: 022- 27573785