Tanker Strike in Mumbai: BMC Implements Emergency Water Supply Measures

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to guarantee an uninterrupted water supply to residents as the sweltering summer heat worsens and water problems spread throughout Mumbai. The action was taken after the Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) continued its indefinite strike since April 10 despite numerous requests that went unanswered. The civic organisation said in a statement released April 13 (Sunday night) that it is using its authority under the Disaster Management Act's sections 34(a) and 65(1) to requisition private water tankers, wells, and borewells.  With the help of the Maharashtra Transport Commissionerate and Mumbai Police, these emergency steps are being implemented to safeguard vital water supply services throughout the hottest summer months.

The BMC stated that to prevent any disruption in the vital water supply throughout the summer and in response to the indefinite strike by tanker operators against the Central Ground Water Authority's (CGWA) updated directives, the Disaster Management Act of 2005 was invoked. The BMC has quickly developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to expedite the water supply to private housing societies and other crucial sectors in response to the situation. Tanker activities will be coordinated by ward-level teams comprising representatives from the local police, RTO, water works, pest control, health, and accounts agencies.

A notification order would be jointly issued by the BMC's crisis management and legal divisions to requisition water tankers, their drivers, cleaners, and employees from the offices of tanker operators.  The Transport Commissioner will then formally request and deploy these cars and staff.

In order to guarantee a smooth water supply for each ward, the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner will then requisition the vehicles and personnel and assign them to ward-level teams on Sunday evening. Ward officers will then assemble a team that includes representatives from the water works, pest control, health, accounts, RTO, and local police departments, the release continued.

Housing societies will henceforth submit tanker service requests through Citizen Facilitation Centres (CFCs).  A 25% administrative fee over market rates will be added to payments made by societies and can be paid in cash or through UPI.  To maintain order, police security will be available at each water filling location.

The MWTA has refused to halt its strike despite attempts by the highest levels of government, including Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Notably, when Fadnavis intervened, the BMC had previously postponed well and borewell owner notices till June 15.

Fadnavis wrote on X that "a water (shortage) problem has arisen in some places" and that he had instructed the municipal commissioner to find "an immediate solution" by finding a "golden mean" between the tanker owners' concerns and the updated CGWA norms.

Minister Paatil directed CGWA to streamline the "Bhu-Neer" online system for getting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) during a meeting on Friday at the Bandra Kurla Complex to make the procedure easier for tanker operators to utilise.  The new CGWA guidelines, which require tanker operators to meet strict requirements like providing 200 square meters of land, proving well ownership or lease, installing digital flow meters, adhering to BIS standards, daily water intake tracking, and a NOC from the CGWA, have been met with resistance from MWTA.

Water supply to housing societies, trains, and building sites has been hampered by the strike, since 1,800 registered tankers deliver almost 350 million litres per day around the city.