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Journalism of Courage
The state government last week announced that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) would supply 5 million litres of water (MLD) to Mira-Bhayander, which is reeling under a water crunch. By making this announcement, the state government seems to have accomplished its job. It has passed on the buck to the BMC and left it to the corporation to figure out how this is possible. Apart from keeping on hold the proposal from the state government in the Mayor-in-Council meeting this week, Mayor Nandu Satam has maintained a deafening silence. He has only said he would meet Chief Minister Narayan Rane and apprise him of the situation in Mumbai.
But as custodian of Mumbai, it is time that he speaks up in the interest of the people. Just allaying the fear that if Mira-Bhayander is provided water, other people may come on the streets and demand water tomorrow is not enough. He should give Mumbaikars what is their right. And as Mayor, only Satam can explain this to the state government. Water from the six potablelakes is not enough to quench the thirst of the 1.25 crore population in Mumbai, which is steadily on the rise. Can the BMC part with the water (even if it is just 5 MLD compared to the over 2700 MLD supplied to Mumbai every day) when it is itself facing agitations over water in the city? To cope up with its demands, the BMC has started the Upper Vaitarna project which is likely to be completed by 2000. Instead of directing BMC to divert its water to Mira-Bhayander, the state government should implement the four projects (Sasav Naghar – 1993, Poshir dam – 1994, Devkhudi dam – 1996 and Surya dam – 1998) which the MBMC had submitted between 1993 and 1998, but which have not been approved by the state government. Diverting water from one corporation to another is not a permanent solution but if the state government refuses to understand this, it is quite possible that Mumbaikars will have to come on to the streets and agitate some day.
