Mahim Civic Activist Irfan Machiwala Urges CM Devendra Fadnavis to Establish an Emergency Alternative Water-Supply Network for Mumbai Firefighting Operations

Mahim Civic Activist Irfan Machiwala Urges CM Devendra Fadnavis to Establish an Emergency Alternative Water-Supply Network for Mumbai Firefighting Operations

Calls for a Multi-Source Emergency Firefighting Water Management Plan, Including Seawater, Underground Storage Tanks and Recycled Water

Mumbai: In view of the need to strengthen the city's preparedness for major fire emergencies, Mahim civic activist Irfan Machiwala has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to direct the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Fire Brigade to develop a dedicated emergency alternative water-supply system for firefighting operations.

Irfan Machiwala stated that if Mumbai faces multiple fire incidents simultaneously, particularly during situations involving water shortages, the Fire Brigade must have reliable alternative sources of water.

Firefighting operations should not depend entirely on water jumbo tankers.

He suggested that Mumbai needs a comprehensive Multi-Source Emergency Firefighting Water Management Plan to ensure uninterrupted water availability during major fire incidents.

Alternative Water Sources Suggested by Irfan Machiwala

1. Seawater from the Arabian Sea

Mumbai has an extensive coastline that could be utilised during major fire emergencies. The Fire Brigade should explore seawater pumping facilities at suitable coastal locations, supported by specialised pumps, filtration arrangements where necessary, and corrosion-resistant equipment.

2. Underground Emergency Firefighting Water Tanks

The BMC should construct dedicated underground firefighting water storage tanks at strategically identified locations across Mumbai to ensure immediate water availability during emergencies.

3. Industrial Water Reservoirs

The authorities should coordinate with factories, industries and commercial establishments to identify suitable water reservoirs that can be accessed during large-scale fire incidents.

4. Treated Wastewater and Recycled Water

Properly treated sewage and recycled non-potable water should be explored as alternative firefighting resources wherever technically and operationally suitable.

5. Swimming Pools as Emergency Water Reserves

Large swimming pools in hotels, clubs, housing societies and public facilities could be identified and mapped as potential emergency water sources, subject to accessibility and safety arrangements.

6. High-Capacity Borewells

Suitable high-capacity borewells could also be identified, with emergency pumping arrangements, subject to groundwater availability and applicable regulations.

Additional Measures Proposed

Machiwala has also suggested the following measures:

Coastal Firefighting Network: Develop dedicated seawater pumping facilities at suitable coastal locations.

Mandatory Fire Water Storage: Require dedicated firefighting water tanks in suitable new high-rise developments.

Water-Sharing Agreements: Establish emergency coordination agreements with hotels, clubs, industries, railway authorities and large housing societies.

Emergency Control Room: Maintain real-time information about available alternative water sources, their locations and the availability of water tankers.

Regular Mock Drills: Conduct emergency exercises to test firefighting arrangements during municipal water shortages and simultaneous fire incidents.

Special Focus on Mumbai's Coastal Areas

Irfan Machiwala has particularly proposed exploring a dedicated Coastal Firefighting Water Network covering suitable coastal locations such as Mahim, Bandra, Worli, Dadar, Marine Drive and other parts of Mumbai.

Such a network could enable the Fire Brigade to draw seawater during major emergencies, reducing dependence on conventional  water supplies and tanker movements.

He emphasised that the proposal would require technical feasibility studies, environmental clearances, suitable pumping infrastructure and coordination with the Fire Brigade.

Appeal to the Maharashtra Government

Irfan Machiwala appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to direct the BMC Commissioner and Mumbai Fire Brigade authorities to examine the feasibility of this proposal and prepare a comprehensive emergency water-management plan for the city.

He said that Mumbai must be prepared not only to respond to fires but also to ensure that adequate water is available when firefighting operations are most critical.

"During a major fire emergency, every minute matters. Mumbai must have multiple alternative water sources so that a shortage of municipal water or the unavailability of water tankers does not compromise firefighting operations.

Emergency preparedness can save lives, protect property and strengthen the city's disaster-management system."

— Irfan Machiwala

Mahim Civic Activist