BMC takes control of water supply amid tanker strike in Mumbai – Mumbai News
As a citywide water tanker strike continued on Sunday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) invoked the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to take over private tankers, wells and borewells to manage water supply across Mumbai.
The decision was taken following directions from BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Officials said that the aim behind the move is to ensure uninterrupted water access during the summer, despite the ongoing protest by tanker operators.
Tanker drivers are on strike against new guidelines issued by the Central Ground Water Authority. While the state government has currently stayed implementation of the notices linked to these rules until June 15, the strike has not been called off.
To address the situation, BMC has introduced a process for societies in need of water. They must submit applications to the nearest Citizen Facilitation Centre (CFC) and pay the prescribed charges. Water will then be supplied through private tankers that are now under municipal control.
Each tanker will be assigned specific sources and delivery routes. Owners of the tankers will receive payment after showing delivery receipts. Mumbai Police, the transport department and BMC will jointly oversee operations, with each tanker receiving police security.
“If required, local officers will be allowed to make operational changes,” an official said.
BMC will charge societies based on pre-approved rates with an additional 25 percent administrative fee. The full cost details will be provided by the accounting department.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Jal Shakti Minister Chandrakant Patil have directed officials to find a resolution and simplify the online process associated with water extraction permissions.
