Navi Mumbai reviews water preparedness as Morbe Dam stock left for only 85 days

NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde inspects Morbe Dam, Raigad district, on Saturday

Amid warnings of delayed monsoon and below-normal rainfall this year due to El Nino conditions, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has started reviewing its water preparedness. Officials have confirmed that Morbe Dam, Navi Mumbai's primary water source, currently has water stock sufficient for only 85 days.

Taking serious note of the situation, NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde on Saturday carried out an extensive inspection of the Morbe Dam project area in Raigad district and reviewed the ground situation personally.

According to civic officials, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that rainfall this year may remain 6 to 8 per cent below normal, while the onset of monsoon is also expected to be delayed due to global El Nino conditions.

Against this backdrop, the civic chief not only inspected the water reserve status but also reviewed the security and land condition surrounding the reservoir area, raising concerns over constructions and encroachments near the dam zone.

NMMC Commissioner Dr Shinde said, "If rainfall remains below expectations, NMMC may have to take decisions regarding future water supply planning after discussions with civic representatives. We have also appealed to Navi Mumbai residents to use water carefully in the coming weeks considering the uncertain rainfall situation."

Officials said the commissioner directed immediate land measurement and demarcation through the Raigad collector's office after certain private constructions were noticed near the adjoining areas of the dam boundary. He also instructed officials to install fencing at vulnerable locations.

Apart from the water stock review, the inspection also focused on environmental protection around the reservoir. The commissioner instructed officials to undertake plantation drives using native tree species and launch cleanliness drives in surrounding areas.

The civic body also reviewed the condition of families residing in Pirkatwadi and nearby hamlets who had earlier refused rehabilitation during the dam project period. NMMC officials have now been asked to examine providing basic amenities and explore rehabilitation possibilities again.

In a nutshell

190.89 million cubic metres
Morbe Dam's total storage capacity

485 MLD
Daily water supply from the dam to Navi Mumbai

43%
Morbe Dam level as of today

June 10-11
Date by when monsoon is expected