Bhayander residents had launched a violent agitation on March 3 and 4, 1999 after taps in the township went dry for more than a week. Residents were extremely upset with tanker owners who charged exorbitant rates for providing potable water during the week.

Dange's assurance came as a reply to the debate on a calling-attention motion in the council. The motion was moved by leader of opposition Chhagan Bhujbal, Vyankappa Patki, Arvind Sawant, Hussein Dalwai and others. They accused the government of insensitivity towards residents and of favouring the tanker lobby. The members demanded the government take action on a war footing to solve the water scarcity in Mira-Bhayander.

Dange was elaborate in his reply. He said the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Council (MBMC)had, in 1987, a system to provide 19.73 lakh litres of water to about 1,31,000 residents of the township. However, he said, the present population was over six lakh, hence the system failed to provide adequate water. The minister added there were over 3,500 illegal water connections in the township, which further worsened the situation.

``The pipeline supplying water to Bhayander broke at Naglabunder on February 28, 1999. Though repaired, the pipeline to continued break repeatedly and water supply could not be restored till March 3. To avoid any such situation in the future, the state government has sanctioned a project to supply 50 lakh litres of water to the township. Work on the project, which would cost over Rs 131 crore, began six months ago. Though the project work is scheduled to be completed in two years, the government has asked the contractor to finish the work in the coming year. The government is ready with funds, and the project should be ready in a year's time. Once the additional waterreaches Bhayander, it will be adequate for its residents,'' Dange said.

Dange also said MBMC officials responsible for illegal water connections in the area will be punished according to provisions of law.