Mumbai: Grey water policy likely to be scrapped

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) may scrap grey water policy owing to the lack of support from the administration, sources said.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) may scrap grey water policy owing to the lack of support from the administration, sources said.

The civic body spent Rs 19 lakh to appoint All India Institute of Local Self Government (AIILSG) to sensitise people on grey water reuse. The use of grey water for purposes other than drinking was first envisioned in 2009, after the severe water crisis then. However, after six years and no major water crisis, the idea has been neglected and bye-laws, yet to be finalised.

In 2013, the BMC had also invited suggestion and objections from citizens on draft bye-laws for grey water reuse but the response was dismal. The institute was then roped in to conduct a sensitisation programme and also to provide inputs on the bye-laws in 2014.

“The institute had submitted suggestions on the bye-laws. It is now up to the administration to put it forth for approval. Since there has been no positive, it is unlikely that the idea will be carried forward,” said an official from the hydraulic department.

The AIILSF had submitted its report in December last year but even after four months, it is yet to scrutinized and submitted to the group leader. After it is sanctioned, the bye-laws will be forwarded to general body for approval and then implemented.

The recycling plant will ensure that water from kitchens and bathrooms is released into a separate collection chamber, where it will be treated before being stored in a separate tank. This water would be supplied for non-drinking purposes. With this, the BMC hoped to reduce citizens’ use of potable water for purposes other than drinking.