Cut water connections to projects under construction

With the realty sector being hounded by sluggish sale, the latest demand put forth by the Standing Committee chairperson and Shiv Sena Corporator Shailesh Phanse is likely to make things go from bad to worse.

Citing the scanty rainfall across state and water cuts implemented in the city, Phanse has asked the civic body to stop providing water to nearly 2,700 under-construction projects in Mumbai. He has written to the corporation, demanding that all these connections be discontinued with immediate effect.

Speaking to mid-day Phanse said, "My intention is to prevent the use of drinking water for construction purposes. They can use water tankers and borewells. Drinking water is meant for people and not for constructing buildings. My aim is to provide Mumbaikars with extra water, not to bring the construction business to a standstill."

‘Too little'
A civic official said, "Water is supplied to them (under-construction projects) through pipes that are used in residential buildings. So the quantity of water they use isn't equivalent to the ones used in commercial ones.

This move will not help us save much water." Commenting on the possible ramifications if the BMC decides to snip their water connections, a developer from the western suburbs said the cost will escalate if he is forced to call for water tankers for completing the project.

"Water tankers aren't cheap. While it may appear as a miniscule expenditure, it eventually escalates the construction cost," the builder said. A few builders claimed not all developers in Mumbai use civic water, and even if they do, then it is only for drinking purposes. They said the civic body should conduct a survey to find out whether the builders are actually using drinking water for constructing, and then initiate appropriate action.