Corporators play water card ahead of MBMC polls

Cutting across party lines, corporators of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) on Friday slammed the civic administration for imposing “unjustified” eligibility criteria on citizens while applying for new water connections.

With an eye on the upcoming civic elections, corporators remained adamant and unanimously passed a resolution seeking water lines for all irrespective of their legal status. During a calling attention motion, BJP corporator Narendra Mehta raised the issue but the civic officials are in no mood to heed his request.

Meanwhile, the MBMC after a span of more than six years lifted the ban on issuance of new waterlines from May 1. It follows the partial release of water from its Rs 269-crore 75MLD water supply scheme. The scheme is in its final stages of completion and started partial release of 25 MLD. The remaining 50 MLD will be released in a controlled manner before the second half of 2017.

To provide new connections and meet the huge demand, the water supply department via its online portal has expressed its intentions of giving priority to buildings which are still without connection but have occupancy certificates to get water for residential usage. Later, it will provide connections to those seeking additional lines, group connections and other regular applicants.