In a major relief for Mumbaikars, the Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) on Monday announced the immediate withdrawal of its indefinite strike and the resumption of water supply across the city. The decision came just a day after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) invoked the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to requisition private tankers, wells, and borewells amid the growing water crisis.
“We have decided to withdraw the indefinite strike and resume water supply in Mumbai with immediate effect,” said MWTA General Secretary Rajesh Thakur, confirming the development to PTI.
The strike, which began on April 10, severely disrupted water distribution to residential societies, construction sites, and public services like the railways. The protest was triggered by BMC’s issuance of regulatory notices to private well owners supplying water to tanker operators, prompting backlash from the association.
The standoff saw swift political intervention, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil directing the civic body to pause the enforcement of the contentious guidelines. Following their directives, BMC agreed to stay the notices until June 15, paving the way for talks.
However, it was BMC’s invocation of emergency powers under the Disaster Management Act that ultimately broke the deadlock. With private tankers facing possible state requisitioning and police deployment to manage operations, MWTA finally relented.
The resumption of water services comes as a huge relief amid rising summer temperatures and growing public discontent. The episode has also highlighted the fragile state of Mumbai’s water infrastructure and the growing dependence on private sources to meet urban demand.
