BMC told to give details of water tanks on flat lofts
The order was passed by state Chief Information Commissioner, Ratnakar Gaikwad on February 23, 2017, on two different applications that sought details from the BMC but was not provided
The State Information Commision (SIC) has directed the municipal commissioner to put up details of officials — who need to be approached for rules regarding the construction of loft tanks or overhead water tanks inside flats, along with the time limit in which such permission will be given, as part of citizen's charter — on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) website as well as details of all the court orders, related to the issue.
Mumbaikars reeling under the problem of scarcity of water supply are often told that overhead tanks of the society are sufficient to provide water and that they should deal with the members of the society for their share of water.
The order was passed by state Chief Information Commissioner, Ratnakar Gaikwad on February 23, 2017, on two different applications that sought details from the BMC but was not provided.
In two different RTI applications, authorities were asked for details on the legality of having loft or overhead tanks inside flats. If illegal, then can action be taken against the flat owner; details of permission, and the prevailing court order based on which the issue is looked at by the corporation. Surprisingly the BMC has no mechanism to look at the prevailing orders.
The law department of the BMC stated that it cannot provide information as looking for such information may disproportionately divert time and resources of the corporation. Pulling up the officer, the commission said that such a reply was irresponsible and directed the commissioner to comply with the order by March 23, 2017.