Water Conservation Matters: Mumbai's Story

Mumbai is about to face a critical water crisis as the Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) suspended its services from April 10. This has been done as a reaction to the Central Ground Water Authority's (CGWA) order for water tanker operators to take licenses to extract groundwater. The strict conditions, such as the 200 square meter land space requirement surrounding each well and the fitting of flow meters and GPS tracking devices, have been considered impractical for Mumbai's crowded terrain.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Impact on Infrastructure: The suspension of services will seriously impact infrastructure projects, residential buildings, and commercial complexes that are dependent on these tankers for non-potable water.

 

Water Supply Disruption: About 1,800 to 2,000 tankers provide up to 200 million liters of non-potable water every day, which will now be stopped, risking disruption to basic services such as construction and rail services.

 

Emergency Measures: Stakeholders like hospitals and housing societies are coming up with contingency plans to tackle the crisis, which may worsen because of the prevailing heatwave.

 

Government Intervention: Government intervention has been called for, with Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar asking the Ministry of Jal Shakti to take action.

 

As the city is facing this impending crisis, citizens are being asked to save water and get ready for possible shortages.

 

Source: Mid-day, Times Now, Indian Express