Mumbai Once Had Free Water | The Disappearance of Pyaavs

Mumbai once had thousands of pyaavs offering free drinking water rooted in sewa and daan, a culture of selfless service and generosity. Today, only 64 remain, serving millions. What was once a symbol of communal care has slowly disappeared in the face of rapid urbanization. As heatwaves intensify and access to clean water becomes increasingly unequal, the issue is no longer about nostalgia—it’s about survival. For daily wage workers, commuters, and the vulnerable, free drinking water can be the difference between safety and risk. This isn’t just a policy question; it’s a public health necessity. Cities are not just built on infrastructure but on empathy. So here’s the question: should we bring back pyaavs and make water accessible for all again?

The pyaavs of Mumbai have a rich history. In the early 20th century, the city’s water supply was inadequate, and many people relied on public wells and tanks. To address this, the British colonial government introduced the pyaav system in 1920. Pyaavs were volunteers who collected water from these sources, purified it, and distributed it for free. The system was based on sewa, a concept of selfless service central to Indian culture, and daan, the act of giving. Pyaavs became an integral part of Mumbai’s social fabric, offering a lifeline to millions during droughts and heatwaves.

Today, Mumbai faces a different reality. Urban growth has outpaced infrastructure development, leading to a decline in the number of pyaavs. The city’s population has surged, and the demand for water has increased exponentially. With climate change exacerbating drought conditions, the need for accessible, clean water has become critical. Heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent and intense, strain water resources and pose a threat to public health. The urban water crisis is not limited to Mumbai; it’s a global challenge.

The importance of free drinking water in cities cannot be overstated. It’s a basic human need, essential for survival, hygiene, and productivity. For the urban poor, who often lack access to safe water, free drinking water systems can prevent illnesses like diarrhea and cholera. It also empowers women and children, who traditionally bear the burden of water collection, by reducing their time spent on this task.

The pyaav system, with its emphasis on community involvement and empathy, offers a unique model for addressing urban water access. It’s not just about infrastructure—it’s about fostering a culture of care and responsibility. However, reviving the pyaav system requires addressing several challenges. Urbanization has changed the landscape, and the traditional sources of water, like wells and tanks, are often contaminated or inaccessible. Modern solutions, such as solar-powered water purification and community-managed water kiosks, could complement the pyaav model.

Public drinking water systems around the world have evolved in different ways. In Singapore, water kiosks are ubiquitous, providing free drinking water to all. In Cape Town, during its severe drought, the government implemented strict water-saving measures and public awareness campaigns. In India, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, launched by the government, aims to improve water management and sanitation.

The pyaav system, with its roots in sewa and daan, can inspire sustainable urban solutions. It’s a reminder that cities are built not only on concrete but also on the empathy and collective action of their people. As heatwaves and water scarcity become more frequent, the time to act is now. Bringing back pyaavs and making water accessible for all is not just about nostalgia—it’s about ensuring the survival and well-being of millions in our cities. It’s a call to rebuild our urban infrastructure on a foundation of empathy and public health necessity.