Mumbai Water Crisis: Tanker Association Calls Off Strike After Assurance from BMC Chief Bhushan Gagrani

Mumbai, Maharashtra (April 14, 2025): The Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) has called off its five-day strike after successful mediation by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Murji Patel and an assurance from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Bhushan Gagrani on Monday.

#BREAKING: Water tanker association strike ends in Mumbai. After four days of protest, the tanker association has called off its strike. A delegation from the association also met with the BMC Commissioner today pic.twitter.com/7Judmu3TM6

— IANS (@ians_india) April 14, 2025

The strike had begun on April 10 in protest against notices issued to borewell and ring-well owners. These notices required compliance with 2020 guidelines from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). The tanker association had demanded the cancellation of the notices, not just a delay or pause.

The strike led to water shortages in several societies, hotels, and construction sites. In response, the municipal corporation reportedly had planned to seize all private tankers, wells, and borewells under disaster management laws. However, the strike ended before these measures were carried out.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also urged for a resolution. Following a meeting between municipal officials and stakeholders on Monday morning, Bhushan Gagrani assured no further action would be taken against the tanker drivers.

"Municipal Corporation has withdrawn the notices. The municipal commissioner has assured that no member of the Tanker Association will face any trouble in the future. We will also meet the Police Commissioner regarding the fines imposed on the tanker drivers," said MLA Murji Patel.

With the strike called off, the water crisis in affected areas is expected to ease.