Bombay High Court Directs TMC to Probe Water Supply to Illegal Structures Amid Thane Water Crisis

Mumbai | July 24, 2025 : In a strong intervention aimed at addressing Thane's growing water crisis, the Bombay High Court has ordered the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to investigate water supply arrangements made for illegal buildings, stating that providing civic services to such structures during a time of scarcity amounts to public nuisance.

The court's order came during a hearing related to 21 unauthorized constructions in Thane, particularly in the Shil village area, where demolition activities have already been initiated. The court criticized the civic body’s inaction and directed that no water or electricity connections be granted without proper document verification. Guarantees or affidavits, the court clarified, would not be considered valid authorization for such services.

In its detailed ruling, the court stressed the need for tight coordination between the Municipal Commissioner and electricity suppliers to curb illegal developments. The judges also flagged the rampant use of forged documents by developers and property owners to access public utilities. To address citizen complaints, the court has mandated the appointment of a public grievance officer.

“Delaying action against unauthorized buildings will only deepen the problem,” the bench observed, calling for greater accountability from civic officials. The court warned that continued neglect weakens the credibility of the justice system, and called on the municipal corporation to submit a status report by August 4 outlining the corrective measures taken.

The court's remarks come against the backdrop of a severe water shortage in Thane, where despite Maharashtra receiving 107% of average monsoon rainfall last year, residents continue to face daily cuts and unreliable supply. Many localities are being forced to rely on expensive private water tankers, sparking widespread public frustration.

Experts point to mismanagement within the Jal Jeevan Mission and state-level irrigation planning as key contributors to the crisis. Thane receives its water from the Shahapur Taluka dam systems, which supply over 3.4 billion litres of water per day to Mumbai, but apparent supply chain inefficiencies and over-commitment have left Thane residents vulnerable.

Citizens facing disruptions can contact the TMC helpline at 1533 or register complaints online through the municipal portal.