‘No need to depend on rains for Mumbai’s water'

Had the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) tapped that one source of water from either Gargai or Pinjar dams, Mumbai wouldn’t be reeling under the current water crisis. This was admitted by the municipal commissioner Swadhin Kshatriya at a seminar organised by the Indian Merchant’s Chamber (IMC), on Wednesday.

Talking about the current water shortage mentioned in the Madhav Chitale Committee report, Kshatriya said, “The Chitale Committee report had predicted an increase in Mumbai’s water requirement in the years to come. The Committee had recommended tapping the additional dams and reservoirs like Gargai and Pinjar for Mumbai’s water.

He added that Middle Vaitarna could capture the monsoon water and supply 450 mld in 2012. Gargai, a small dam,can also add 450 mld but no work has started on the project.

“I observed that Singapore authorities do not allow a single drop of water to go into the sea unlike us,” he said. “Potable water is used by Railways, BEST buses, Bombay Port Trust, and other bulk consumers. But, they should be persuaded to use recycled water.”He also assured that the civic body will continue to supply 2,900 mld upto July.

“Only, we are not able to reach the fag-end areas or those on high elevation. There are severe problems for localities on hilly terrain. But it can be augmented with bore wells and tankers,” he said.