In a recent development, Kshitij Thakur, an MLA representing the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), engaged in a fruitful discussion with Sanjay Mukherjee, the Commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The focus of this meeting was to address the pressing issue of water supply for the Vasai Virar civic areas, which have been grappling with a significant shortfall in their water requirements. This initiative comes after the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) raised concerns about the growing water deficit in their region.
As per a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the VVMC currently faces a daily demand for 372 million liters of water, but it is only receiving a meager 230 million liters per day. This glaring disparity between demand and supply has created hardships for the residents, making it essential to find a viable solution.
MLA Kshitij Thakur’s advocacy for a water supply boost from the Surya Dam project stems from the fact that the Vasai Virar region has witnessed a substantial population surge since 2011, effectively doubling its populace. This population explosion has naturally led to an increased demand for water resources in the area. Thakur asserts that the Surya Dam project holds the key to addressing this critical issue, underlining the significance of augmenting water provisions for the citizens. He firmly believes that an allocation of 185 million liters per day from the Surya Dam project is imperative for the welfare of VVMC.
To add context to the situation, it’s worth noting that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) recently staged a protest in the Vasai Virar region. Their protest revolved around the persistent water shortages that more than 30 lakh people in the area are currently enduring, as reported by PTI. MNS leader Sharmila Thackeray vocalized the frustration felt by the local population, highlighting that the scheme designed to provide 185 million liters of water daily had not been inaugurated by the state government. This neglect has contributed to daily hardships for the residents.
Thackeray issued a strong ultimatum, warning that if the water supply scheme is not inaugurated within the next five days, the MNS would take it upon themselves to ensure its implementation, even if it requires force. She even suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently visited Shirdi in the Ahmednagar district, could have inaugurated the water supply scheme through a video link.
It is essential to emphasize that the MNS’s primary concern is not to claim credit for the scheme but to ensure that the people of Vasai and Virar no longer suffer from their persistent water woes. Sharmila Thackeray was joined by Avinash Jadhav, the MNS Thane-Palghar chief, in her efforts to draw attention to this critical issue.
This development raises several crucial questions and concerns regarding water supply in the Vasai Virar civic areas. Let’s take a closer look at the key issues at hand and the potential impact of increased water allocation from the Surya Dam project.
A Growing Crisis
The water crisis in Vasai Virar is undeniably a serious concern. With a daily demand of 372 million liters of water but an actual supply of just 230 million liters, residents are left grappling with a severe deficit. This deficit has far-reaching consequences for the region’s population, impacting their daily lives, health, and overall well-being.
Population Explosion
One of the underlying causes of this crisis is the substantial increase in population witnessed in Vasai Virar since 2011. The region has experienced a significant surge in residents, effectively doubling its populace. As more families and individuals have settled in the area, the demand for water has naturally escalated. This exponential growth has put immense pressure on the existing water infrastructure, making it necessary to find an immediate solution to address the water needs of the burgeoning population.
The Surya Dam Project: A Ray of Hope
At the heart of the solution lies the Surya Dam project. This project, if harnessed effectively, could provide a lifeline to the Vasai Virar civic areas by augmenting their water supply. MLA Kshitij Thakur’s plea for an allocation of 185 million liters per day from this project holds the potential to significantly alleviate the water shortages experienced by the region.
MNS’s Demand for Action
The recent protest by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) underscores the urgency of the situation. The MNS has taken a stand against the state government’s failure to inaugurate the 185-million-liter-per-day water supply scheme. This delay has had a direct and adverse impact on the daily lives of the residents.
Sharmila Thackeray, a prominent leader of the MNS, has issued a stern warning, declaring that the party is prepared to take matters into their own hands if the scheme is not inaugurated within the next five days. The MNS’s willingness to force the implementation of the scheme demonstrates their commitment to the welfare of the people in Vasai and Virar.
The Call for Government Intervention
In light of the escalating water crisis, it is imperative that government authorities step in and address this issue promptly. The residents of Vasai and Virar have been grappling with water shortages for far too long, and their well-being is at stake.
The Humanitarian Perspective
At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental concern – the welfare of the people. Over 30 lakh individuals in the Vasai Virar civic areas are currently enduring the hardships of water scarcity. Access to clean and sufficient water is a basic human right, and the residents of this region have been denied this right for too long.
It is incumbent upon government authorities to recognize the gravity of the situation and take swift and effective action. The welfare of the people must be the top priority, and the government must ensure that their needs are met without further delay.
Conclusion
The water crisis in the Vasai Virar civic areas is a dire situation that demands immediate attention and action. With a significant population surge and a severe shortfall in water supply, the well-being of over 30 lakh residents is at stake.
The efforts of MLA Kshitij Thakur and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in advocating for an increased water supply from the Surya Dam project are commendable. It is essential that government authorities heed this call and take concrete steps to address the water shortages.
Access to clean and sufficient water is a basic human right, and it is the duty of the government to ensure that this right is upheld. The people of Vasai and Virar have waited for too long for a resolution to their water woes. It is time for their voices to be heard, and for their needs to be met.
