Daijiworld Media Network - Thane
Thane, Nov 15: Facing criticism over its handling of the city's water supply crisis, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has decided to strengthen monitoring measures to prevent leakages, curb water theft and regulate distribution amid fears of prolonged scarcity due to the potential impact of El Niño.
Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao recently reviewed the water supply situation and directed officials to undertake micro-level planning for the next nine to 10 months. Fortnightly action plans will be prepared and implemented until June 2027.
Identifying and disconnecting unauthorised water connections will be a major priority. Dedicated teams will be formed across ward committee areas to detect illegal connections, while cases will be registered against those involved in water theft. The functioning of valve operators responsible for regulating water distribution will also be closely monitored, officials said.
The civic body is also exploring an online registration and record-management system for water tankers on the lines of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). All municipal water tankers will undergo GPS mapping, while the water sources, filling points and extraction practices of private tankers will be closely monitored.
To ensure that potable water is reserved for essential requirements, the TMC plans to prohibit its use at vehicle washing stations, construction sites, gardens and other non-essential activities.
Water supply to major infrastructure projects, including the Metro, Elevated Corridor, Coastal Road and Ring Metro, has been suspended until further orders. These projects have been directed to meet their water requirements using treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants instead.
The corporation will also intensify efforts to revive public wells as alternative sources of water.
Of the 350 public wells within the TMC jurisdiction, 202 have been identified as suitable for use. While 35 wells have already been revived and are operational, the remaining wells will be cleaned, repaired and restored on priority, officials said.