Navi Mumbai: The deepening water crisis has forced Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to become more dependent upon water tankers. The civic body will spend about Rs 10 crore towards purchasing 20 water tankers. Each water tanker will have 10,000 litres capacity. These water tankers will be mostly used in the villages, padas (settlements away from the main village limits) and Cidco areas in its jurisdiction.The Panvel civic body approved the proposal in its Sept 6 general body meeting. The water shortfall in villages collectively stands at 28 MLD out of the overall 58 MLD in the PCMC jurisdiction.Water cut-off for any reason increases the demand for supply through water tankers. Further, water demand rises during the summer. Each of the water tankers will cost Rs 47.9 lakh. This covers fabrication, mounting and pumps, among other accessories and works. After getting the approval, the civic body administration will initiate the purchase process through e-tenders. However, many citizens flay the PCMC over the latter’s inability to improve the availability of water sources and alternative piped water supply network options. Water tankers have been pressed at many places. Protests took place regarding the diversion of water supply through existing piping network.
