A citizens’ group in Navi Mumbai has urged the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to undertake large-scale rainwater conservation projects, including the revival of the historic Belapur Hill lake and construction of new reservoirs, to strengthen the city’s long-term water security.
Sajag Nagrik Manch submitted a representation to NMMC Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, stating that awareness campaigns under the Centre’s Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain initiative should be supported by permanent infrastructure to capture and store rainwater.
The forum said that large volumes of rainwater currently flow into the sea during monsoons and suggested that restoring natural water bodies and developing new reservoirs could help improve groundwater levels, reduce flooding risks and enhance Navi Mumbai’s climate resilience.
The organisation has proposed immediate restoration and expansion of the lake located on the Sector 8 (Artist Village) hill in CBD Belapur, along with the creation of another reservoir in the Green Valley area. It has requested the civic body to prioritise these projects during the ongoing monsoon season to maximise rainwater harvesting opportunities.
The representation comes after Navi Mumbai experienced water supply disruptions despite the city’s dependence on the Morbe Dam for drinking water. According to the forum, timely rainfall in July helped prevent a larger crisis but highlighted the risks associated with relying on a single water source.
“The recent heavy rains have shown that nature is providing adequate water. The problem lies in our inability to capture and store the enormous quantity of rainwater that flows into the sea every year,” the representation stated.
While appreciating NMMC’s efforts to revive abandoned wells and borewells, the forum said that restoring lakes and developing reservoirs would provide a more sustainable solution for future water requirements.
The group has recommended that NMMC conduct scientific surveys involving hydrologists, geologists and environmental experts to identify suitable locations for rainwater reservoirs, retention ponds and other harvesting structures across the city.
According to Sajag Nagrik Manch, such projects could help conserve millions of litres of rainwater, reduce dependence on the Morbe Dam, improve groundwater recharge, replenish wells and borewells, and minimise flooding in low-lying areas.
The forum has also suggested policy changes, including reducing the use of treated drinking water for non-potable activities such as gardening and vehicle washing. It has recommended making dedicated borewells mandatory for housing societies for non-potable requirements along with compulsory rainwater harvesting systems.
Environmentalist Kapil Kulkarni also highlighted the need for coordinated management of Navi Mumbai’s hill ecosystems. “Authorities including NMMC, CIDCO and the Forest Department have continued to shift responsibility instead of managing these hills collectively. This has allowed large-scale encroachments. The remaining open spaces should be utilised to create water reservoirs that support wildlife and biodiversity while also serving as nurseries for native tree species. Such an approach would combine water conservation, ecological restoration and urban afforestation into a single long-term strategy,” Kulkarni said.
The forum said integrated planning of water conservation and ecological restoration could help Navi Mumbai build a more sustainable urban water management system.
Source: The Free Press Journal
