Sanjay Kelkar has criticised the Thane Municipal Corporation over what he termed as poor urban planning and rising water supply challenges in the city, raising concerns about rapid high-rise development without adequate supporting infrastructure.
Addressing reporters after an event in Thane on Saturday, the BJP MLA questioned the civic body’s decision to permit large-scale skyscraper construction despite mounting pressure on the city’s basic infrastructure and water resources.
Kelkar alleged that the civic administration has failed to provide essential amenities to Thane’s estimated population of nearly 27 lakh residents, even as vertical development continues to accelerate across multiple parts of the city.
“Improper planning is the root of these woes.”
The legislator said unchecked real estate growth was intensifying pressure on the existing civic infrastructure, particularly water supply systems. He questioned how permissions for high-rise buildings were being approved without ensuring sufficient and reliable water availability for residents.
Kelkar further stated that citizens across several areas of Thane continue to face recurring water-related difficulties while new residential towers keep emerging across the city. He also pointed out that despite the municipal corporation functioning for over four decades, Thane still lacks a dedicated dam project to secure long-term water needs.
Apart from infrastructure concerns, the MLA accused the civic administration of overlooking environmental factors while clearing development proposals. He called for a detailed review of existing and upcoming projects to ensure balanced, sustainable, and better-planned urban growth.
His remarks come at a time when public concerns regarding water shortages, traffic congestion and pressure on civic infrastructure are increasing in rapidly developing parts of Thane.
Earlier this week, several parts of the city experienced a 24-hour water supply disruption due to urgent repair and upgrade work on the Barvi gravity pipelines at the Jambhul Water Treatment Plant. Water supply remained suspended in parts of Diva, Mumbra, and Kalwa, while low water pressure was expected to continue for two additional days after restoration.
Source: Mid-day
