The city is grappling with a worsening water crisis as the indefinite strike by the Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) enters a critical phase. Despite the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) offering a temporary stay on restrictions related to groundwater extraction, the MWTA has refused to resume operations, leaving thousands of residents without access to water. In a bold move, the BMC has decided to take control of all private water tankers and groundwater sources. The decision was made after MWTA continued its strike even though the civic body paused enforcement of earlier notices requiring private groundwater source owners to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Central Ground Water Authority.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had recently directed BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to intervene in the matter. In response, the BMC temporarily lifted restrictions on groundwater extraction until June 15 in an effort to ease tensions. However, the MWTA remains firm in its stance, expressing dissatisfaction with the civic body's conditions and demanding a direct meeting with the Chief Minister to resolve the deadlock. The ongoing strike has severely disrupted daily life in the city, with water supplies to many areas coming to a standstill. Apart from affecting residents, the strike has also put immense financial strain on tanker owners and workers. Many of them had purchased tankers on loans and are now struggling to repay EMIs and pay salaries to drivers, cleaners, and other staff.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the BMC’s decision to assume control of private resources marks a significant escalation in the crisis. Citizens and stakeholders now await the outcome of a potential meeting between MWTA and the state government to bring much-needed relief.