BMC chief outlines steps being taken to tackle climate change

On Mumbai’s water crisis, Chahal said BMC was taking steps to address the increasing demand. “Mumbai at present gets 3,850 MLD of water daily. But in reality, the current population needs close to 4,500 MLD. This deficit in water supply is going to increase in the future. Therefore, the municipality has undertaken two major projects to meet the water demand. A Rs 8,000-crore desalination plant to produce freshwater from seawater will be set up at Manori. It will be able to recycle 400 MLD. Also, there is a mega project of creating Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at seven places at a cost of close to Rs 28,000 crore,” Chahal said.

He also stressed on the need of Mumbai being governed by a single-planning authority. “There are multiple governing agencies in Mumbai, which includes MHADA, BPT, airport, railways. Therefore, we (BMC) have to face a lot of difficulties while taking forward any project. Also, in this situation, a unified development of the city cannot take place. Mayors have powers in global cities like London and New York. All accounts come under their jurisdiction. My position from the beginning is that Mumbai should have a sole authority and city administration. I have corresponded with the state government for that. Although it has not yet succeeded, I believe that the BMC will become a single planning authority in the next few years,” Chahal said.