No potable water for non-potable purpose is the mantra that the city fathers are chanting. With the city facing its worst-ever crisis this year, the powers-that-be in the civic body have woken up to the "misuse" of water, and suggested stiff penalties for offenders. The city is estimated to be wasting at least 50% of the water generated on daily basis for non-drinking activities.

Vinod Shekhar, Congress corporator from Colaba, has moved a notice of motion in the civic house demanding a provision to penalise those who are found wasting potable water. Wastage could mean anything from using it for watering ones garden, for construction purposes, washing cars to keeping the water taps running.

Municipal commissioner Jairaj Phatak said, "The proposal would require debate and discussion. Several factors will have to be considered before we bring in a law."

Phatak said, "Wasting water is actually tantamount to wastage of natural resources. We will have to check the legal aspects of the act. If the notice of motion is passed with majority in the House we will have to send it to the state government as it is the final authority to decide."

Earlier, a standing committee member had demanded that potable water be brought under the purview of Essential Commodities Act. Ashish Shelar, leader of Bharatiya Janata Party in the BMC, said, "Tanker owners are holding the city to ransom. In such circumstances, the BMC has to make some law."

Anil Diggikar, additional municipal commissioner said, "Presently, I cannot say anything. We have to look into the legalities, and such a move will also require the state governments approval."

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