The standing committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a revised budget of Rs 5,051 crore for the Gargai Dam project, despite strong objections from opposition members. The proposal was cleared through a voice vote on Wednesday following intense debates, according to reports.
Initially estimated at Rs 3,105 crore in 2020, the project’s cost has surged by nearly Rs 2,000 crore. Earlier, the committee had rejected a higher estimate of Rs 5,396 crore on March 11, prompting the administration to renegotiate with contractor Soma Enterprises. After three rounds of discussions, the cost was reduced by Rs 345 crore before receiving approval.
Standing committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde called for a voice vote after opposition leaders raised concerns over the escalating budget. The ruling side ultimately pushed the proposal through.
BJP leader Ganesh Kankhar defended the decision, emphasising the need to address water shortages across parts of Mumbai. He pointed out that several areas still receive water supply only at midnight and highlighted the savings achieved through renegotiation, stating that around Rs 350 crore of public funds had been conserved.
Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi criticised the move, questioning the justification for the increased cost. “They are asking for Rs 2,000 crore without doing any work or rehabilitation or even receiving all the environmental and other clearances,” he said. “If this continues, what is the guarantee that we will not see the project cost go up to Rs 7,000 crore in another two years?”
Shiv Sena leader Yashodhar Phanse raised environmental concerns, citing the proposed felling of over 3.1 lakh trees in Palghar and suggesting desalination as an alternative. Meanwhile, MNS leader Yashwant Killedar objected to the rising costs but not the project itself.
Despite criticism, the ruling side maintained that meeting Mumbai’s growing water demand remains a pressing priority.
Source: Swarajya
