Published on: 27/04/2011
More than five projects aiming to augment water supply for the growing Mumbai metropolitan region are facing opposition from locals and the tribal population in rural areas. They are demanding that they get water first before going ahead with the projects. The projects, financed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), involve extending dams or building new ones and the displacement of villages.
In early April 2011, there was a mass protest against the state government’s move to divert water from the Surya irrigation project in Thane to the extended western suburbs of Mumbai.
“We have no issues with Mumbai getting water, but what about the tribals here who do not get water despite having dams in the region. The Surya dam was constructed from the funds meant for tribal development. The state government is spending Rs 1,000 crore [US$ 222 million], but is not ready to invest Rs 20 crore and provide water to the tribals,” said Chintaman Vanga, BJP MLA from Vikramgadh, who is spearheading the agitation here. Almost every dam that will provide water to Mumbai is being built in these tribal belts, but the water woes in the region continue.
Read more: Prashant Rangnekar, Indian Express, 08 Apr 2011
