Thane civic body plans tanker network boost amid looming water scarcity concerns

Thane: With concerns mounting over a potential water scarcity situation driven by rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is moving to strengthen its tanker-based water supply system by setting up an additional filling station at Bramhand.The initiative comes amid internal assessments warning of stress on existing water resources, with officials examining contingency planning for a possible “Super El Niño” scenario. Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao has directed departments to adopt precautionary measures, including tighter monitoring of consumption, curbs on wastage, and strict action against leakage and water theft across the city.During a recent review meeting, Rao also advised officials to study and replicate water management models used in Mumbai to improve crisis preparedness and response mechanisms.At present, the civic body operates only one tanker filling depot at Saket with four filling points, servicing nearly 20 tanker trips daily. Officials said the facility is insufficient to meet growing demand, especially in rapidly developing pockets across the city, with the corporation currently operating only three tankers of its own.To address the gap, the TMC is in the process of establishing two additional filling points at Bramhand to cater to demand from Ghodbunder Road localities and surrounding areas. The new facility is expected to operate between 9 am and 5 pm and will primarily serve Majiwada and adjoining regions. A revised tariff structure for tanker water supply is also expected to be announced soon.Officials said the expansion is aimed at strengthening the emergency water distribution network and ensuring uninterrupted supply during peak demand and crisis situations.