Navi Mumbai: MLA Manda Mhatre Demands One-Day Weekly Water Cut to Conserve Supply

Mhatre said that despite adequate water reserves currently available in Navi Mumbai, the prevailing drought conditions in other parts of Maharashtra make it necessary to use the available supply judiciously. She warned that evaporation and rising demand could put pressure on water resources in the near future.

Speaking at a Ganesh festival competition and prize distribution ceremony organised by the civic body on Saturday, Mhatre called for immediate measures to reduce water wastage and improve the city's water management.

She urged the mayor and municipal commissioner to introduce a planned weekly water shutdown, with advance notice to residents, so households could prepare accordingly. According to her, early conservation measures could help avert a possible shortage over the next two months.

Mhatre called for stricter monitoring of water leakages, unauthorised water extraction and excessive consumption at vehicle-washing centres and redevelopment projects. She also questioned whether adequate punitive action had been taken against those whose illegal pumps and equipment had previously been seized by the civic administration.

She further proposed using treated wastewater instead of potable water for vehicle washing and watering gardens. Regular inspections and stricter enforcement, she said, were necessary to prevent the misuse of drinking water.