BJP Calls for Immediate Construction Ban in Thane to Address Water Emergency
In a decisive move to tackle the escalating water scarcity crisis, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally urged the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to suspend all permissions for new construction projects along the Ghodbunder Highway enclaves. This urgent appeal comes as residents grapple with severe water shortages, forcing heavy reliance on expensive private tankers.
Warning of Public Unrest Over Inadequate Water Supply
Senior BJP corporator Manohar Dumbare, representing ward number 2, issued a stark warning in a letter to Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao. He cautioned that growing public frustration over the persistent water crisis could erupt into unrest if immediate corrective actions are not implemented. Dumbare emphasized that the situation demands urgent civic intervention to prevent further deterioration.
The Thane Municipal Corporation currently draws approximately 585 million liters per day (MLD) from various sources. Despite this substantial supply, the TMC struggles to distribute water adequately to its population of over 25 lakh residents. This systemic failure has left many areas, particularly along Ghodbunder Highway, in a precarious state.
Residents Bear Double Burden of Water Costs
According to Dumbare, nearly every building in the affected enclaves faces inadequate municipal water supply. This deficiency compels residents to depend extensively on private water tankers, incurring exorbitant costs. In several large housing complexes, monthly tanker bills reportedly soar into lakhs of rupees, placing a significant financial strain on households.
"It is deeply unfortunate that regular water charges are being collected by the municipality even as residents are forced to purchase additional tanker water," Dumbare stated. He highlighted the injustice of this dual financial burden, where citizens pay for a service they do not receive reliably.
Failed Promises and Deepening Crisis
Dumbare revealed that repeated follow-ups with civic officials have yielded minimal results, leaving the community disillusioned. While the administration had promised incremental improvements—first an additional 50 million liters of water, then 100 million liters—these assurances have not materialized into tangible relief for residents.
Alarmingly, the water crisis has intensified even before the onset of summer, with the monsoon still approximately three months away. This premature worsening signals a potentially catastrophic situation if proactive measures are not taken swiftly. The BJP's demand for a construction halt aims to curb further strain on the already overburdened water infrastructure, advocating for a pause in development until sustainable solutions are established.
