'Long-term measures need to be adopted'

Endorsing the need for the civic body to supply water irrespective of dwindling rainfall levels, the civic standing committee on Wednesday directed the civic administration to plan long-term measures to reduce water cuts in Mumbai. HT Correspondent

Endorsing the need for the civic body to supply water irrespective of dwindling rainfall levels, the civic standing committee on Wednesday directed the civic administration to plan long-term measures to reduce water cuts in Mumbai.

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Carrying out effective checks on water thefts, arresting water leakages, speeding up the implementation of water audit and promoting the system of rainwater harvesting were among the many measures demanded by the members of the civic committee on Wednesday.

"Even in 2009, when the rainfall levels hit rock-bottom, cuts were announced at the last moment. Long-term plans need to be made by the hydraulics department," said standing committee chairman and Shiv Sena corporator Rahul Shewale.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena corporator, Sandeep Deshpande said: "The rainwater harvesting cell is only at the BMC head office and many are still unaware of the system's benefits."

"In order to avoid water cuts, permissions should not be given for any new water connections in the period of April-May" said Shubha Raul, former mayor.