Mumbai’s water supply system has been thrown into disarray as the Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) announced an indefinite suspension of services on Thursday, protesting the civic body’s stringent regulations and notices issued to private well owners. These wells are the primary source of water for over 1,800 registered tankers that collectively supply around 350 million litres daily (MLD) to various parts of the city, including high-demand zones like South Mumbai.
MWTA spokesperson Ankur Sharma revealed that the decision comes in response to new requirements imposed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which include mandatory land ownership or lease documents, installation of digital flow meters, adherence to BIS standards, daily water intake measurement, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Central Ground Water Authority.
“Implementing these norms in a city like Mumbai is next to impossible without government relaxation. Until then, the supply remains suspended,” Sharma said, adding, “We have shut down our trade.”
Despite efforts by Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar—who wrote to the Jal Shakti Board urging leniency—well owners continue to receive enforcement notices. The MWTA has also approached the Chief Minister’s Office seeking urgent intervention to resolve the crisis that now looms over the city’s water supply.
