Overview

• The Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) has announced a suspension of services starting April 10 due to strict groundwater licensing norms imposed by the Central Groundwater Authority (CGWA).
• The regulations, introduced in 2020, require 200 square meters of land around wells, installation of digital water meters, and GPS systems, which MWTA says are unfeasible in Mumbai’s dense urban environment.
• The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued notices demanding compliance, warning well owners to secure No Objection Certificates (NOCs) or stop operations.
• The suspension threatens to disrupt infrastructure projects and non-potable water supply for industries, potentially leading to significant job losses in the tanker sector.
• MWTA has criticized the licensing rules as being designed for rural areas and unsuitable for Mumbai, while also highlighting communication challenges with CGWA offices located outside the city.