A toll-free helpline was launched in Mumbai on Wednesday to tackle the menace of water mafia in the city. The helpline is an initiative of the non-governmental organisation Swabhiman Sanghatana, headed by Nitesh Rane, son of revenue minister Narayan Rane.

Mumbaikars can now call 1800-200-9837 round-the-clock and report instances of water theft and illegal sale of water. Rane said the new helpline will do what the municipal corporation's similar helpline has completely failed in doing so far.

While the corporation charges Rs 160 - Rs 200 for a tanker, private tankers charge a minimum of Rs 1200 and up to as much as Rs 4,000, Rane said."The BMC is hand-in-glove with the water mafia. Swabhiman Sanghatana has issued a letter to the president of Water Tankers Suppliers Association to reduce tanker rates and if our demands are not met we will launch a city-wide agitation,” he said.

The NGO has exposed activities of the water mafia in Malad, Kandivali, Mankhud and other parts of the city.