Save Water - Mumbai following Delhi's way...

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering laying separate water pipeline to supply potable and non potable water to citizens on the line of Delhi.
Municipal commissioner Swadheen Kshatriya announced it on the demand made by Union Minister of State for Communications and IT Gurudas Kamat who is also MP from Mumbai Northwest constituency. Kamat met Kshatriya to discuss various issues related to the city and his constituency.
“I suggested the BMC to adopt the Delhi pattern under which recycled water is used for non potable purpose through separate lines to avoid wastage of potable water.” said Kamat.
The BMC said it is open to adopt the pattern used by civic government in Delhi. “I agree with the Kamat's suggestion as I saw two separate water lines for potable and non potable when I was in Delhi for some time. It will work in the city as well,“ said Kshatriya.
The civic body has planned for recycling plant at six locations in the city to supply water for non potable purpose.
“As phase I, we will commence recycle plants with BOT basis and then will be laid pipeline for supply,“ Kshatirya added. The civic body is also considering giving rights to private agency to sell non potable water to the industrial area.
The city is currently reeling under an unprecedented water crisis, with a 15 per cent cuts imposed on the residential users and a 30 per cent on the commercial users.
Apart from water issue Kamat has also demanded that the civic body should keep open spaces reserved under Recreation Ground, Play Ground and Gardens as open. “Also those, whose leases are still on, should be strictly monitored and public access should be ensured. While those who have developed private clubs and whose lease ended should be taken place in spite of 810 years possession like Matoshree sports club in Jogeshwari, such allotments should be cancelled forthwith, “said Kamat.
Kamat also submitted a Memorandum expressing concern about the Water situation in Mumbai and the need to desilt all lakes and reservoirs, to ensure the storage capacity of water.
To strictly ensure usage of Solar Electricity in all new buildings as agreed to by the government of Maharashtra.
To ensure that Recreation Grounds and Playgrounds are accessible to the common man and no private clubs be allowed. BMC: Developer should declare carpet area The BMC will ensure that no proposals for the development will be accepted, unless the developer would declare the carpet floor space index to be sale. This will be strictly monitored by the civic body Building Proposal department, said BMC chief Swadheen Kshatriya.
Gurudas Kamat MP, led a delegation comprising of Congress MLA's and corporators met municipal chief to discuss various issues including carpet area issue. “Though the rule exists about flat purchasing and selling should be as per carpet area is not implemented properly,“ alleged Kamat.

From Hindustan Times, 15th May, 2010