MUMBAI: As water tankers’ strike continues, BMC has invoked Disaster Management Act, 2005, owing to fears that with non-potable water not available, the pressure would fall on drinking water supply.
This is the first time that BMC has invoked the Act-usually used in times of natural disasters-in such a situation. Police can take action against owners of wells, borewells and private tankers if they refuse to provide access.

Officials said with the advent of summer, higher dependence on potable water could lead to faster depletion of existing sources. BMC supplies 3,900 million litres per day (MLD) of potable water to the city and private tankers provide an additional 200 MLD.
Confirming that the Act has been invoked, BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said, “Filling of tankers is generally observed on specific private premises with high yielding wells. We will be requisitioning them.” In a statement, BMC said the decision has been taken keeping broader public interest in mind.
Ankur Sharma, Mumbai Water Tankers Association’s spokesperson, pointed out that if BMC takes over tankers and wells, then it, too, will have to seek an NOC from Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) “whose conditions are not acceptable to us”, referring to the notices issued by BMC to owners of private wells directing them to obtain NOCs from CGWA, which had triggered the strike. The notices have been stayed till June 15.
The city’s dependence on private tankers has grown over the years, particularly in newly developed areas where BMC’s water supply is insufficient. These tankers also typically cater to star hotels, large housing societies, malls and food courts. With the strike disrupting even these supplemental supplies, concerns have been raised about the impact on daily water access in several parts of the city.