Shinde Faction Of Shiv Sena Protests Hike In Water Tanker Charges In Mira-Bhayandar

Party warns of agitation if municipal administration fails to roll back price increase

In Bhayandar, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has demanded the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) immediately withdraw the recent hike in charges for water tankers supplied to slum and tribal areas.

Party functionary Ram Bhavan Sharma, along with local workers, submitted a memorandum to MBMC officials expressing anger over the decision, which they described as unjust and burdensome for poor households.

Sharma explained that until permanent pipelines are laid in slums, informal settlements, and tribal localities, the civic body provides water through tankers. Earlier, each tanker was priced at ₹500, but during the administrator’s tenure, charges were raised, prompting public opposition. Though rates were briefly reduced, the administration again doubled the amount to ₹1,000 per tanker. Following fresh protests, the rate was revised to ₹965, but residents say the cost remains unaffordable.

Sharma insisted that such decisions must involve consultation with the local MP and two MLAs of Mira-Bhayandar, but the administration passed the resolution without their input. He warned that residents, particularly in Kashimira, are extremely unhappy, and if the hike is not rolled back by 30 September, the party will launch a major protest on 8 October.

He added that most families in these areas survive on monthly incomes of ₹15,000–20,000, making a ₹1,000 water tanker charge “unjustifiable.” He criticized the civic body for failing to provide either tap water connections or adequate sanitation facilities, despite the Prime Minister’s claim of ensuring water supply to every household.

The issue has also reached the state level, with Minister Pratap Sarnaik reportedly calling MBMC officials to discuss residents’ grievances.