The Bombay High Court on Wednesday sought to know how much rainfall have all districts of the State received, and how much water is available in all dams.
A division bench of Justices V.M. Kanade and M.S. Sonak was hearing a bunch of petitions on the state of drought, tagged along with the suo motu petition on an article published by The Hindu on the deplorable conditions of migrants from Nanded in Mumbai.
The article quotes a migrant: Right from Diwali, things were going from bad to worse. No water is available even to drink. I have been coming to Mumbai for the past three years. We are charged for water, but it is at least available.”
Government pleader A.B. Vagyani told the court that there were 396 families who had moved to Ghatkopar and Chembur from Nanded. After directions from the court, the State had provided them with basic amenities. On Wednesday, Mr. Vagyani said that only 96 families have stayed back in the city, and that they are planning to return to their villages soon.
Senior counsel Anil Sakhare, appearing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation informed the court that the rainfall received up till now has been better than last year. He also said that Vidarbha has received rains in surplus, and Marathawada has received rains 20 per cent above the average. The court adjourned the matter till July 18.