Birla Vanya Residents Stage Protest Over Acute Water Shortage in Kalyan
Residents of the upscale Birla Vanya township in Kalyan have taken to the streets, staging a vigorous protest against what they describe as an acute water shortage and a series of unfulfilled promises by the developer. The residential complex, situated in the Shahad area of Kalyan, consists of seven towering structures, each reaching 38 storeys high, and is home to more than 1,200 families.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Erratic Water Supply
According to the aggrieved residents, the developer had initially guaranteed an uninterrupted and adequate water supply at the time of property sales. However, for the past week—and sporadically over the last month—the water supply has become highly erratic. This inconsistency has forced families to depend heavily on private water tankers to meet their daily essential needs.
The situation has severely disrupted daily routines, with residents reporting instances where there is no water available for basic household activities such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. One resident expressed their distress, stating, "The situation has started affecting our daily routine. At times, there is no water for basic household use."
Allegations of Unfulfilled Promises and Financial Disputes
Residents have raised serious allegations against the developer, claiming that despite collecting two years' worth of advance maintenance fees, the promised amenities have not been adequately provided. Furthermore, they assert that before securing the necessary Occupancy Certificate (OC) and Completion Certificate (CC) for the entire project, the developer recently attempted to levy additional maintenance charges. This move was later withdrawn following strong objections from the residents.
The water crisis, however, has only intensified. The township currently relies on water tankers supplied through the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). Unfortunately, insufficient water pressure and inadequate supply have exacerbated the already dire situation. Residents allege that the developer failed to secure a sufficient water connection from KDMC to cater to the needs of such a large residential complex.
Protest and Developer's Response
On Thursday, residents gathered at the developer's office within the complex to voice their grievances and demand immediate intervention. They specifically sought assurances directly from the CEO of Birla Estates Private Limited. During the protest, a company representative facilitated a phone conversation with the CEO, who assured the residents that the issue would be resolved at the earliest possible opportunity.
In a follow-up action on Friday, a group of residents met with KDMC water supply officials. The officials reportedly informed them that no formal complaint had been received from the developer regarding the ongoing water supply issues, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Developer's Statement and Proposed Solutions
Birla Estates issued an official statement addressing the concerns. The statement read, "The water supply civic challenge in Kalyan has also impacted Birla Vanya, and we are committed to resolving this at the earliest. We have taken immediate, proactive short-term measures with supplementary tanker water supply to mitigate the impact. We are also working closely with KDMC to expedite infrastructure enhancements, including a new dedicated pipeline that will serve as a sustainable, long-term solution."
The residents, who have been occupying their flats since 2024, continue to face challenges as some parts of the project remain incomplete. The protest highlights the growing frustration among homeowners who feel let down by the developer's assurances and are now seeking concrete actions to ensure a reliable water supply for their community.
