After power cuts, residents of Thane have to brace themselves for water cuts once a week. In its bid to make the current water storage last till next monsoon, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is likely to impose water cuts from next week.
October heat has brought with it a plethora of problems for residents of Thane. After a few areas of Thane faced power cuts last week, the residents now have to be prepared for dry taps once a week till the month of May or till monsoon next year. "There will be 30 per cent water cut in parts of Thane once a week most likely from next Friday," said a senior official from the TMC's water department.
"Monsoon left early this year. To make the reduced water stock last till next year's rainfall we have decided to go for these water cuts," added the official.
Thane has a population of over 20 lakh and receives over 480 MLD (million litres per day) from STEM, MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) and other sources.
The neighbouring twin cities of Kalyan and Dombivli, however, are likely to face water cuts post-Diwali. Confirming the same, a source from Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) said, "With the festive season around the corner we are not imposing water cuts in Kalyan, Dombivli right away. It will be imposed post-Diwali."
Kalyan, however, faces 24-hour water cut once a week.
In June-July, the water levels in dams like Bhatsa, Tansa, Baravi and Modak Sagar — which provide water to Thane district — were more than 90 per cent due to extensive rainfall. The administration was confident of making this water last till next monsoon without any water cuts. But early departure of monsoon in September have made them take precautionary measure to avert any water shortage till next rainfall.
