TMC seeks additional 50 MLD water from Mumbai’s civic body amid scarcity

Thane: Grappling with major water scarcity for a long time now, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has now sought an additional 50 MLD of water from the neighbouring Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to help mitigate a looming shortage ahead of the summer season.The demand to draw the water quantity from the Bhatsa reservoir was made to the BMC officials recently during a meeting on the BMC quota, following a review meeting called by mayor Sharmila Pimplolkar in her office. "TMC presently draws 590 MLD of water from various sources, including 250 MLD from the Bhatsa. On the other hand, the BMC, which has a quota of lifting 2,100 MLD from the reservoir, is presently drawing less water, following which we requested them to allow us to utilise 50 MLD from their share," said a senior official from the corporation. The proposal has been in talks with the BMC, and following its approval, the same would be forwarded to the state irrigation department that will allow TMC to lift the additional water from the reservoir, added the senior official.
As per plans, the TMC will have to strengthen its existing capacity to lift 50 MLD additional water from the Bhatsa source, and route it to Temghar treatment plant, and then supply the same to the city, which continues to face a shortfall that threatens to worsen during summer. Meanwhile, several areas within the city continue to grapple with water scarcity despite several assurances. BJP corporator Sitaram Rane, who recently conducted a review of the water supply situation in his ward, lamented that residents of nearly 78 societies in Shivai Nagar and the Upwan area got supply with very low pressure for the past few days, and for barely 30 minutes. "I asked the officials to supply water with high pressure for at least an hour and instructed them to take immediate remedial measures," he said. Mayor Sharmila Pimplolkar also took a stern view of the situation and instructed the water supply department to take adequate remedial measures and avert any shortage during the summer season. A resident along Ghodbunder Highway complained that the situation did not improve in the last several months despite the city and district getting abundant rains. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !