17 June,2026 05:53 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
A weak monsoon advance linked to the El Nino effect has forced the civic body to implement a 10 per cent water cut. Representational Pic
Amid critically low water levels in the Morbe Dam, Navi Mumbai's primary source of drinking water, the civic body has launched an emergency drive to revive 100 traditional open wells for non-potable use.
The water level in the Morbe Dam has dropped to a critical 12.73 per cent, according to an official release issued by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) on Wednesday. A weak monsoon advance linked to the El Nino effect has forced the civic body to implement a 10 per cent water cut, reported PTI.
In response to the dwindling reservoir levels, Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde directed the water supply department to immediately survey, de-silt and restore traditional open wells to tap naturally accumulated groundwater reserves.
An official release issued by the NMMC stated that the civic body will encourage the use of well water wherever possible in collaboration with housing societies and local public representatives.
Meanwhile, environmentalists from Parsik Greens and NatConnect Foundation described the crisis as a wake-up call and urged the NMMC to strictly enforce mandatory rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems in all upcoming redevelopment projects to prevent precious rainwater from flowing unchecked into the sea.
Thane Municipal Corporation announces a 24-hour water shutdown on Thursday and Friday due to Kalwa tunnel repair; several areas will face complete water supply disruption.
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has announced a significant disruption in water supply across several parts of its jurisdiction, including Mumbra, Diva, Kalwa, Majiwada-Manpada, and Wagle (Koli division), citing Maharashtra Industrial Development-related works and technical maintenance requirements.
According to officials, repair work on the Kalwa water tunnel, as communicated by the irrigation department in a letter dated June 9, will be undertaken as part of scheduled maintenance.
As a result, water supply in the affected areas will be reduced by 20 per cent amid rising summer demand and increasing dependence on limited water resources.
In addition, a complete 24-hour water shutdown has been scheduled from Thursday at 12 pm to Friday at 12 pm for maintenance work.
During this period, water supply will remain fully suspended in Diva, Mumbra (excluding certain parts of Ward Nos. 26 and 31), all areas under Kalwa Ward Committee, as well as Rupadevi Pada, Kisanagar No 2 and Nehrunagar under Wagle Ward Committee, along with the Kolse-Khalsa village area under Majiwada Ward Committee.
Following restoration, water supply is expected to remain at low pressure for one-two days, officials cautioned.
The civic body has appealed to residents to use water judiciously and cooperate with the ongoing maintenance and repair work.
(With PTI inputs)
