Over 110 Students Face Acute Water Shortage at Mumbai University Churchgate Hostel
More than 110 women students residing at the University of Mumbai’s Madam Cama Girls Hostel in Churchgate have been facing an acute water shortage for over two weeks, with even drinking water in short supply. Students said the shortage was caused by ongoing footpath repair work being carried out near the hostel building by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The hostel is currently receiving just 40 to 50 litres of drinking water per day to serve all 110 residents. As a result, students have been forced to purchase drinking water from outside vendors or fetch water from other university premises, including the boys’ hostel. Hostel administrators have also unofficially advised students to stay with relatives if possible until the problem is fixed.
A University of Mumbai official stated that the university first raised concerns about the water supply with civic authorities in November 2025, after water pressure dropped following municipal work near the building. The official noted that low pressure, combined with an ongoing 20 percent water cut, has severely impacted supply. While the BMC has provided water tankers to the hostel, students said the quantity falls well short of their daily requirements.
Political representatives have also taken note of the issue. Bharatiya Janata Party Mahila Morcha state president and MLA Chitra Wagh stated that she spoke with the deputy municipal commissioner concerned and is attempting to arrange a meeting with Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil.
Meanwhile, a senior civic official from the BMC’s A Ward stated that officials are looking into the reasons behind the disruption. University officials added that they have written to civic authorities and held meetings to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
This is not the first time residents at the Churchgate hostel have raised concerns about facility management. In April 2025, students submitted complaints regarding irregular canteen services, inadequate drinking water, poor lighting, and the absence of a full-time warden. Following a visit by university senate members, some repair work was carried out, but the current water shortage has presented a fresh crisis for the residents.
