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Demand to End the Dominance of the 'Tanker Mafia
Demand to End the Dominance of the 'Tanker Mafia'; Uproar by Corporators in the BMC House as Calls for a Ban on Private Tankers Gain Momentum
Mumbai: Just as the summer season is about to begin, the problem of water scarcity in Mumbai is becoming increasingly severe day by day. Even before summer has fully set in, regular water supply in various parts of the city has been disrupted due to leaks, theft, contaminated supply, and low water pressure. Consequently, the dominance of the 'private tanker mafia' has surged, and demands for strict action against them have begun to gain momentum within the Mumbai Municipal Corporation House.
During the municipal general body meeting, more than 20 corporators—hailing from both the ruling and opposition parties—raised this issue with great intensity. During a discussion that lasted over an hour and fifteen minutes, allegations were leveled regarding a nexus involving tanker drivers, owners, and certain BMC engineers. It was alleged that water is procured from the BMC at a rate of ?2,500 per tanker and subsequently resold for as much as ?10,000. Furthermore, it was claimed that the prevalence of bogus billing and water theft stands at a staggering 80 percent.
Ritesh Rai, a corporator from Jogeshwari, stated that the regular water supply proves insufficient due to a growing population, the proliferation of high-rise buildings, water leaks, and theft. Since private tankers have emerged as the only viable alternative, the tanker mafia stands to benefit significantly. Vijay Ubale, the MIM Group Leader, highlighted the plight of residents in the tribal hamlets (padas) within Goregaon's Aarey Colony, noting that they are able to bathe only once a week. Pravin Chheda asserted, "The tanker mafia is looting the citizens of Mumbai; strict action must be taken against them."
BMC Floor Leader Ganesh Khankar raised a pertinent question: "While ordinary citizens struggle to access water, how is it that tanker drivers are able to maintain a round-the-clock supply?" He demanded a complete ban on private tankers for a period of eight days, arguing that such a measure would allow the authorities to verify whether or not the regular water supply system could be restored to smooth functioning. The municipal administration, however, has given assurances regarding the use of new technology to curb leakages, changes to the tanker policy, and the submission of a report. Additional Commissioner Abhijit Bangar directed that a study be conducted on this matter. It was also stated during the meeting that, in accordance with Section 66B of the Municipal Corporation Act, providing a pure and regular water supply is a duty of the administration.
Mumbaikars are now awaiting a water supply that is free from the influence of the 'tanker mafia' and free from leakages. All eyes are now fixed on how swiftly the administration takes effective measures in this regard.
Demand to End the Dominance of the 'Tanker Mafia'; Uproar by Corporators in the BMC House as Calls for a Ban on Private Tankers Gain Momentum
Mumbai: Just as the summer season is about to begin, the problem of water scarcity in Mumbai is becoming increasingly severe day by day. Even before summer has fully set in, regular water supply in various parts of the city has been disrupted due to leaks, theft, contaminated supply, and low water pressure. Consequently, the dominance of the 'private tanker mafia' has surged, and demands for strict action against them have begun to gain momentum within the Mumbai Municipal Corporation House.
During the municipal general body meeting, more than 20 corporators—hailing from both the ruling and opposition parties—raised this issue with great intensity. During a discussion that lasted over an hour and fifteen minutes, allegations were leveled regarding a nexus involving tanker drivers, owners, and certain BMC engineers. It was alleged that water is procured from the BMC at a rate of ?2,500 per tanker and subsequently resold for as much as ?10,000. Furthermore, it was claimed that the prevalence of bogus billing and water theft stands at a staggering 80 percent.
Ritesh Rai, a corporator from Jogeshwari, stated that the regular water supply proves insufficient due to a growing population, the proliferation of high-rise buildings, water leaks, and theft. Since private tankers have emerged as the only viable alternative, the tanker mafia stands to benefit significantly. Vijay Ubale, the MIM Group Leader, highlighted the plight of residents in the tribal hamlets (padas) within Goregaon's Aarey Colony, noting that they are able to bathe only once a week. Pravin Chheda asserted, "The tanker mafia is looting the citizens of Mumbai; strict action must be taken against them."
BMC Floor Leader Ganesh Khankar raised a pertinent question: "While ordinary citizens struggle to access water, how is it that tanker drivers are able to maintain a round-the-clock supply?" He demanded a complete ban on private tankers for a period of eight days, arguing that such a measure would allow the authorities to verify whether or not the regular water supply system could be restored to smooth functioning. The municipal administration, however, has given assurances regarding the use of new technology to curb leakages, changes to the tanker policy, and the submission of a report. Additional Commissioner Abhijit Bangar directed that a study be conducted on this matter. It was also stated during the meeting that, in accordance with Section 66B of the Municipal Corporation Act, providing a pure and regular water supply is a duty of the administration.
Mumbaikars are now awaiting a water supply that is free from the influence of the 'tanker mafia' and free from leakages. All eyes are now fixed on how swiftly the administration takes effective measures in this regard.
Mumbai: Just as the summer season is about to begin, the problem of water scarcity in Mumbai is becoming increasingly severe day by day. Even before summer has fully set in, regular water supply in various parts of the city has been disrupted due to leaks, theft, contaminated supply, and low water pressure. Consequently, the dominance of the 'private tanker mafia' has surged, and demands for strict action against them have begun to gain momentum within the Mumbai Municipal Corporation House.
During the municipal general body meeting, more than 20 corporators—hailing from both the ruling and opposition parties—raised this issue with great intensity. During a discussion that lasted over an hour and fifteen minutes, allegations were leveled regarding a nexus involving tanker drivers, owners, and certain BMC engineers. It was alleged that water is procured from the BMC at a rate of ?2,500 per tanker and subsequently resold for as much as ?10,000. Furthermore, it was claimed that the prevalence of bogus billing and water theft stands at a staggering 80 percent.
Ritesh Rai, a corporator from Jogeshwari, stated that the regular water supply proves insufficient due to a growing population, the proliferation of high-rise buildings, water leaks, and theft. Since private tankers have emerged as the only viable alternative, the tanker mafia stands to benefit significantly. Vijay Ubale, the MIM Group Leader, highlighted the plight of residents in the tribal hamlets (padas) within Goregaon's Aarey Colony, noting that they are able to bathe only once a week. Pravin Chheda asserted, "The tanker mafia is looting the citizens of Mumbai; strict action must be taken against them."
BMC Floor Leader Ganesh Khankar raised a pertinent question: "While ordinary citizens struggle to access water, how is it that tanker drivers are able to maintain a round-the-clock supply?" He demanded a complete ban on private tankers for a period of eight days, arguing that such a measure would allow the authorities to verify whether or not the regular water supply system could be restored to smooth functioning. The municipal administration, however, has given assurances regarding the use of new technology to curb leakages, changes to the tanker policy, and the submission of a report. Additional Commissioner Abhijit Bangar directed that a study be conducted on this matter. It was also stated during the meeting that, in accordance with Section 66B of the Municipal Corporation Act, providing a pure and regular water supply is a duty of the administration.
Mumbaikars are now awaiting a water supply that is free from the influence of the 'tanker mafia' and free from leakages. All eyes are now fixed on how swiftly the administration takes effective measures in this regard.
