Mumbai Water Tanker Association Halts Supply Indefinitely Amid Row with BMC

Mumbai: The Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) has suspended its water supply services across the city indefinitely following a dispute with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The move is likely to affect thousands of residents, including those in posh areas like South Mumbai.

The MWTA, which operates over 1,800 water tankers, supplies nearly 350 million litres of water per day (MLD) to different parts of Mumbai. Their tankers can carry between 500 litres to 20,000 litres of water each.

The decision to stop operations came after BMC sent notices to private well owners who supply water to these tankers. The association has strongly opposed the civic body’s actions, calling them unfair and disruptive to their business.

"This is our only source of water, especially in buildings and areas where the municipal supply is not regular. We don’t know how long this strike will last," said a resident from South Mumbai.

The MWTA has called this an “indefinite break”, meaning the supply shutdown will continue until the issue with the BMC is resolved.

What’s the dispute about?The BMC has raised concerns over the legality and regulation of private wells being used to supply water commercially. Tanker operators argue that the action is sudden and has left them with no choice but to stop work.

Meanwhile, the BMC is yet to issue an official response to the suspension. Residents are now bracing for a potential water crisis if the matter isn’t resolved soon.