Industries Minister Uday Samant told the Legislative Council on Tuesday that an international tender procedure will be started for a seawater desalination project, which might soon alleviate Mumbai’s ongoing water deficit. In response to MLC Rajhans Singh’s inquiry about problems with the water supply in Mumbai and its suburbs, Samant promised that cutting-edge technology would enhance water distribution.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also revived the Gargai Dam project, expected to be completed in four years. Once operational, it will add 440 million litres of potable water daily, helping ease the city’s water crisis. Steps are being taken to curb leakages and unauthorised water connections, with Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) pipelines being equipped with advanced monitoring systems.
Addressing concerns over unauthorised constructions, Samant announced the formation of a committee chaired by a retired judge to investigate illegal structures in the BMC jurisdiction. Based on the committee’s findings, harsh action will be taken against government officials found guilty.
The problem of illegal structures in Mumbai was brought up during the discussion by members of the Legislative Council, including Sachin Ahir, Adv. Anil Parab, Bhai Jagtap, Praveen Darekar, and Sunil Shinde. Samant claims that there are currently 7,951 illegal constructions in eight wards, 1,211 of which have already been evicted, and 2,015 of which are still the subject of legal proceedings. The government has committed to taking this matter seriously.
Source: The Indian Express
