BMC braces for water cuts

From March 2024, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is contemplating the implementation of a 10% reduction in water supply throughout Mumbai, prompted by escalating concerns over air pollution. Since February 2024, BMC has been utilizing a staggering 154.9 thousand liters of water daily to cleanse the city's roads, a measure intended to combat the mounting levels of pollution. In recent days, residents have taken to various social media platforms to voice their discontent, decrying what they perceive as the royal wastage of water by BMC. According to detailed reports, BMC's hydraulic department diligently attends to the cleaning of 422 roads, collectively stretching over approximately 659.09 km. This endeavor necessitates the utilization of water sourced from bore wells and sewage treatment plants, with the process facilitated by the deployment of 211 tankers. Additionally, 18 misting machines are strategically positioned to cover an additional 59.5 km of roadways, aimed at mitigating dust pollution effectively. The genesis of this initiative traces back to early December when Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, launched the scheme as a weekly endeavor, primarily aimed at curbing dust accumulation and enhancing overall sanitation standards. Subsequently, in a bid to intensify efforts, the initiative transitioned into a daily drive at the outset of February. Operating between the hours of 6:30 am and 2:00 pm, this concerted effort spans across 25 wards, resulting in the substantial collection of approximately 175 tonnes of dust on a daily basis.