In light of the rapid development in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) area, the municipality has initiated dynamic planning to ensure sufficient water supply for the increasing population.

The proposal includes sourcing additional water from the Patalganga River and utilising effluent released after electricity generation at the Tata Power Station in Bhira.

NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has submitted this proposal to the Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation in Thane to address the city’s growing water needs.

Currently, NMMC supplies approximately 450 MLD of water daily through the Morbe Dam project. With ongoing infrastructural developments, including a new international airport, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), and various mass housing projects spearheaded by CIDCO, Navi Mumbai is poised for significant population growth.

The recent inclusion of 14 villages in Thane district into the NMMC jurisdiction, coupled with the Variable Floor Space Index (FSI) provision in the new UDCPR, is expected to contribute further to this increase.

As the city gears up for a projected population of 4.42 million by 2055, the current water resources will fall short of the anticipated demand, which is estimated to reach 1,175 MLD.

In response, NMMC has appointed a preliminary consultant to identify new water sources. An expert committee, chaired by Dr. Shinde, has also been formed to explore the feasibility of extracting water from the proposed sources.

The committee's recommendations include actions to secure water from the wastewater released after power generation at both the Patalganga River and the Tata Power Station in Bhira. The appointed consultant has already submitted a Concept Cum Pre-Feasibility Report to the Municipal Corporation.

On September 11, 2024, Dr. Shinde received administrative approval for these initiatives under Resolution No. 6801. The NMMC has initiated a tender process to select a qualified technical consultant to address the complex challenges associated with implementing these new water resource projects. This includes modern technology requirements, environmental studies, feasibility assessments, and legal and financial investigations.

With a total daily water demand of 1,175 MLD  by 2055, NMMC is actively working to secure an additional 700 MLD  of water, above the current supply from Morbe Dam and MIDC. The proposal for increased water reservation has been submitted to the Executive Director of the Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation (KIDC), and follow-up actions are being coordinated by NMMC Additional City Engineer Arvind Shinde.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, under the guidance of NMMC Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Kailas Shinde, is taking proactive steps to meet the city's future water supply needs as it prepares for significant population growth and development.