Amid a strike by private water tanker operators protesting new Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) regulations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invoked the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to ensure uninterrupted water supply across the city during peak summer.
Despite interventions by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Jal Shakti Minister Chandrakant Patil—and the BMC suspending notices to well and borewell owners until June 15—the tanker operators remain firm on their strike. The CGWA’s revised policy mandates that all well and borewell owners obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC), which has disrupted water distribution.
In light of the escalating crisis, BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani has ordered the acquisition of private wells, borewells, and water tankers throughout Mumbai. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been formulated to ensure smooth and equitable water supply to housing societies and commercial complexes.
Key SOP measures include:
*Identification and requisitioning of tankers, drivers, and support staff.
*Formation of emergency teams at ward offices, including civic and police officials.
*Citizens can apply for tanker services via Civic Facilitation Centres (CFCs) and must pay standard charges plus a 25% administrative fee.
*Police protection will be deployed at water-filling stations to maintain order.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Patil has directed the CGWA to simplify the ‘Bhu-Neer’ single-window platform for obtaining NOCs and ensure widespread public awareness. Officials are tasked with helping citizens navigate the process.
The BMC has committed to covering all emergency-related expenses and has empowered zonal officers to make localized adjustments to the SOP where necessary.
As water scarcity looms over Mumbai due to rising summer temperatures, the BMC’s emergency measures aim to protect public interest and prevent a full-scale crisis.
