The Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a big decision amidst the strike of water tankers in Mumbai. BMC has taken a big step under the Disaster Management Act when the tanker strike in Mumbai is not over. BMC will now supply water to the city wells, borewells and private water tankers under its control. After meeting the BMC Commissioner, the Water Association has withdrawn its decision.
Mumbai’s daily water requirement is about 4,463 million liters. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) supplies 3,950 million liters of water every day. About 250 to 300 million liters of water is supplied through private tankers. This excess water is extracted from sources like 385 borewells and ring wells inside the city. About 1,800 to 2,500 tankers are registered under the Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA).
Tankers supply 250 to 350 million liters of water daily
The capacity of these tankers ranges from 500 liters to 20,000 liters. At the same time, this tanker transports about 250 to 350 million liters of water to Mumbai’s society, street and homes. The sources with which this tank fill water include most private wells, borewells and ring wells. The scope of service of tankers extends from posh areas of South Mumbai to residential societies, railway, construction sites and industrial areas of the suburbs.
Why indefinite strike started?
The Mumbai Water Tanker Association has recently started an indefinite strike across the city after the BMC’s notices and NOC mandatory required to the owners of private wells. The water supply of many residential buildings, metro and road projects, railway coaches cleaning and other essential services of the strike has been severely affected. BMC has implemented the Disaster Management Act in view of the seriousness of the situation.
MWTA adamant when notices are withdrawn
Under this, BMC has started the process of taking tanker service and water sources under its control. Now citizens will have to demand water by depositing fees at the Citizen Facilitation Center (CFC) of their ward, after which the BMC will supply through the tanker. The water level in the city’s reservoirs is decreasing rapidly, due to which there is a possibility of crisis and deepening in summer. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that a solution should be found by making a balance between the rules and the needs. However, MWTA has made it clear that the strike will continue till the notice is withdrawn and they are also ready for a legal battle.