Just months after the monsoon, Mumbai is already facing a 10 per cent water cut and things are only going to get worse as the summer heat sets in. However, citizens have no one to blame but themselves. The problem, says civic chief Ajoy Mehta, is massive wastage of potable water. "If this continues, a rule to punish those misusing water can be considered," said Mehta, hinting that a water penalty may be in the pipeline.

The water crisis is not the only matter in which citizens need to step up, Ajoy Mehta told mid-day. Mumbaikars have a key role to play in yet another major challenge facing the city — freeing footpaths of hawkers. The 1984-batch IAS officer said the problem will continue to haunt the city unless the public shows acceptance for the relocation of vendors to residential neighbourhoods.