Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner, Vijay Nahata said the civic administration has surplus water. “We have received intimation for additional supply from BMC but will take a decision after official talks,” he said.

While BMC has undertaken construction of the Middle Vaitarna dam, which will provide additional 455 mld of water, it will be completed only in 2011. Mumbai currently receives 3350 mld water when the demand is 4200 mld. Around 650 mld of water is unaccounted for and goes as wastage due to leakage and thefts.

Only two months ago, BMC had announced that building constructions requiring supply of two lakh litres per day, will not be given water connections till 2011. And for constructions where demand is less than two lakh litres per day, 45 litres per person per day will be provided instead of the present national norm of 90 litres per person per day. Sena had also asked BMC to stop providing water for construction of large skyscrapers and high rises, however the demand was rejected.