Deputy mayor raps BMC

With civic elections round the corner, issue of water scarcity has taken centre stage

In an outburst unknown to a councillor of the ruling alliance, city’s Deputy Mayor and BJP councillor Ramesh Medhekar, on Friday, asked the administration to discontinue billing societies and residents where the BMC water supply is scarce.

With civic elections round the corner, the issue of water scarcity has now taken centre stage. Councillors have taken to rapping the BMC for inefficient water supply and distribution.

Coming down hard on the BMC’s hydraulic department, Medhekar said, “Many societies do not get water but their water bills run into several thousands. BMC must desist from billing such societies until water supply is restored.” He alleged that, “Officials were conniving with the tanker lobby.”

Medhekar’s allegations came after a meeting with representatives of societies from the Lokhandwala and Gilbert Hill region in Andheri on November 16. The delegation had gathered at his chamber to air their grievances about water shortage.

Senior HE department officials including hydraulic engineer Deepak Kajbaje were present at the meeting. Kajbaje admitted to the water shortage in the area. He has assured that supply will be regulated before November 26. Medhekar has asked the BMC to undertake strict measures against the tanker lobby.