Corporators nix Mumbai's road wash plan amid water woes

Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) standing committee has rejected a significant proposal to wash city roads, citing critical water shortages. The plan, which aimed to deploy 213 tankers for a widespread road-washing initiative covering 677 kilometers, was unanimously opposed by corporators. Concerns were raised about the city's dwindling water reserves in its supply dams, with fears of depletion before May 17, 2027, and an existing 10% water cut. This decision comes as Mumbai's air quality index has worsened since the monsoon's withdrawal on October 3, with PM 2.5 and PM 10 identified as primary pollutants. Officials highlighted the Bombay High Court's directives and the BMC Act of 1888 as prompts for the proposed drive, but corporators argued for a more water-conscious approach. Suggestions included utilizing dysfunctional hydrants and exploring water from sewage treatment plants. The committee has mandated the exploration of alternative dust control measures and street cleaning strategies that do not strain the city's limited water supply.