India, June 7 -- Water tanker operators will suspend services from Monday even as Mumbai grapples with a 10% water cut and dwindling reservoir stocks ahead of a likely deficient monsoon. Around 8% of Mumbai's water needs are met by tankers, a critical alternative when municipal supply falls short.

The Mumbai Water Tanker Association says the strike has been prompted by the conditions imposed under the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) framework, which governs groundwater extraction through wells and borewells used by tanker operators.

"We have decided to suspend services until a meeting is held with the authorities and an amicable solution is arrived at through discussion and consultation," said Ankur Sharma, spokesperson of the ass...