MNS has now decided to target the Rs 1,500-crore bottled water industry in the state. Questioning its profits, the party wants bottled water manufacturers to adopt drought-hit districts or supply water to such villages. MNS workers led by Rita Gupta, vice-president of the party women wing, gheroed the Bisleri head office in Andheri Wednesday.

"The companies are using state water and making billions. These companies spend crores on advertisement. We have requested these companies to supply water to the drought-hit region or provide financial help," Gupta said.

MNS says the bottled water companies are cashing in on the drought in the state and should give some money back as part of corporate social responsibility.

Meanwhile, Bisleri officials purportedly told MNS they had started rainwater harvesting in various parts of the country but they were not allowed to do so by the state government. MNS claimed the company promised to come up with a plan in the next two days to help drought-affected villages.

"MNS workers did meet us asking to help drought-affected villages. We are finalising a plan to supply water through tankers to drought-hit villages in the state," Anjana Ghosh, director, Bisleri International, said.

The Indian bottled water industry is valued at over Rs 10,000 with brands having a market of close to Rs 6,000 crore. Bisleri is reportedly the biggest supplier with a market share of 35 per cent.

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