The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) innovative water management system was in the spotlight at the 2nd All India State Water Ministers Conference 2025 – India @2047- A Water Secure Nation, held in Udaipur, Rajasthan. NMMC’s Commissioner, Dr. Kailas Shinde, was specially invited to present a case study on “Sustainable & Efficient Use of Water in Coastal Cities,” highlighting NMMC’s advanced water distribution system, innovative flood prevention measures, and efficient sewage treatment.

The national-level conference, attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Water Ministers from various states, Secretaries from the Central Water Ministry, and other senior officials, provided a prestigious platform to showcase Navi Mumbai’s unique approach to water security. The recognition of the city’s pioneering efforts at a national level was hailed as a matter of pride for Navi Mumbai.

In his detailed presentation, Dr. Shinde outlined the uniqueness of Navi Mumbai’s urban planning, tracing its evolution and future vision. He emphasized that Navi Mumbai, unlike many other cities, has its own dedicated water source Morbe Dam. The city's highly efficient water distribution system, supported by state-of-the-art SCADA technology, ensures seamless monitoring and management of water supply.

A key highlight of the presentation was the introduction of a 24x7 water supply system, which has been successfully implemented on a pilot basis in the Belapur division. Dr. Shinde stressed that e-governance is being effectively leveraged to ensure transparency, efficiency, and improved service delivery in water distribution.

Dr. Shinde also provided insights into NMMC’s comprehensive wastewater treatment and sewage management systems, which ensure minimal wastage and maximum reuse. The municipal corporation operates modern sewage treatment plants and tertiary treatment plants that supply purified water to industrial clusters, thereby reducing dependence on potable water.

Additionally, treated water is repurposed for gardens, construction activities, RMC plants, residential societies, and even for washing NMMT buses, significantly reducing freshwater consumption and promoting sustainable water use. Citizens are encouraged to use water judiciously, reinforcing Navi Mumbai’s commitment to water conservation.

One of the key highlights of the presentation was Navi Mumbai’s unique holding pond system, designed based on the Dutch model and implemented by CIDCO during the city's development. These holding ponds play a crucial role in flood prevention, particularly during heavy monsoons and high tides, ensuring effective water retention and drainage management.

To further illustrate this critical urban flood control measure, a short documentary was screened at the conference, demonstrating the large-scale effectiveness of holding ponds in mitigating flood risks.

NMMC’s proactive approach to water management, including sustainable water use, innovative wastewater recycling, and effective flood control, earned it recognition at the national level.

The informative and impactful presentation by NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde was widely appreciated by senior officials and experts. Arvind Shinde, Additional City Engineer, NMMC, also attended the event.