Mumbai: Following the water tanker association’s announcement to go on strike from Thursday, Ashish Shelar, minister for culture and information technology, has written to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, requesting their intervention. He has raised concerns over the mandatory procurement of the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) license, which is causing hardship for the water tanker operators.
The BMC and its Pest Control Office have issued multiple notices directing water tanker operators to obtain CGWA licenses. However, the operators have complained that the BMC, through these notices, has warned them to stop their supply if they fail to fulfill the requirement, without any prior consultation on the terms and conditions. In his letter Shekar highlighted the frequent harassment by local police and civic officials, which is disrupting the vital water supply service.
Shelar stated, “Despite ongoing discussions, local police and civic officials are frequently harassing tanker operators, leading to undue stress and disruptions in the essential water supply service. Water tankers play a crucial role in providing water to many areas that do not have a regular BMC water supply.”
He requested discussions between the Central and State authorities to establish clear and practical guidelines for CGWA licensing. “Direct the concerned departments to prevent any undue harassment of tanker operators,” said Shelar in his letter.
Ravi Raja, BJP leader, said, “Mumbai may face a water crisis as tanker associations declare an indefinite strike over CGWA no-objection certificate (NOC) issues. Many high-rises rely heavily on tankers. I have requested the BMC administration to set up help desks at civic ward offices to assist tanker owners with CGWA liaison and fast-track the NOC process.”
The BMC, through notices, had directed well owners to obtain an NOC from the CGWA, failing which existing permissions would be revoked. The tanker association argued that the CGWA’s NOC is mandatory only for potable water extraction, while they draw non-potable water from these wells. However, the civic authorities said that action will be taken if well abstraction continues without the NOC.
