Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, May 23: Several prominent housing societies in Thane are spending between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 85 lakh annually on water tankers due to an escalating water shortage, according to allegations made by BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar.

Kelkar said the financial burden on residential complexes, particularly those along the Ghodbunder Highway, has surged sharply due to what he described as poor water management by the Thane Municipal Corporation. He added that he has raised the issue with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde, urging immediate intervention.

After meeting representatives from several high-rise housing societies, Kelkar said residents reported not only high tanker expenses but also irregular supply, with water tankers sometimes unavailable for up to three consecutive days, worsening daily hardships.

He called for an urgent joint meeting of concerned departments to address the crisis and implement long-term corrective measures.

Officials have attributed the shortage partly to low water levels in the Andhra and Barvi reservoirs and the risk of below-average rainfall in the upcoming monsoon season. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has reportedly imposed water supply cuts until August 31, 2026, to manage the limited availability.

Separately, maintenance and upgradation work at the Jambhul Water Treatment Centre has also disrupted supply, affecting several parts of Thane including Mumbra, Diva, Kalwa, Majiwada-Manpada, and sections of Wagle Estate.

The combined impact of reservoir constraints and infrastructure work has intensified concerns over water security in rapidly growing urban pockets of Thane.