Thane bans vehicle washing at service centres amid water shortage

Thane: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has banned vehicle washing and cleaning activities at service centres across the city until June 10, fearing shortage in the coming days due to rapidly depleting water reserves amid intense summer heat.Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao announced the decision on Tuesday, citing falling reservoir levels and a sharp drop in borewell water tables."As an immediate conservation measure, washing of two-wheelers, autorickshaws and four-wheelers at service centres has been prohibited. Violators will face action under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act," Rao said.In a related development, TMC has also announced a 24-hour water cut from 12 pm on April 23 in several parts of the city, including Mumbra, Diva, Kalwa, parts of Majiwada-Manpada and areas under the Wagle ward committee. The shutdown is to facilitate urgent maintenance and pipeline upgrades under the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation water supply scheme, officials informed.Officials said water supply will resume at low pressure for a few days after the restoration. Residents have been advised to store adequate water in advance and use it judiciously during the disruption.