The Maharashtra government has sanctioned an allocation of 500 million litres per day (MLD) of water for Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) from the proposed Shilar water project in Karjat taluka, aimed at meeting the city’s long-term requirements up to 2057.
The proposed project is expected to provide Panvel with a significant additional water source as the population and development footprint of the city continue to expand. However, the scheme is still under development and is estimated to require around five years before becoming operational.
Panvel Currently Faces Water Shortage
Panvel presently receives approximately 210 MLD of water from six sources, including Morbe Dam, CIDCO’s Hetawane supply, the Ulhas River, Patalganga River and PMC’s Dehrang Dam.
The existing supply serves a population of around 5.4 lakh, but the civic body is already facing a shortfall of nearly 30 MLD. With continued urban growth and increasing demand from residential and commercial developments, authorities have been looking for additional dependable water sources.
The Shilar project, being developed by the state Irrigation Department, is intended to address this requirement by substantially increasing the water available to Panvel.
PMC to Bear Majority of Project Cost
The proposed project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 3,672.75 crore. Panvel Municipal Corporation will be responsible for around 75.42% of the total project expenditure, making the scheme a substantial financial commitment for the civic body.
The remaining funding is expected to be covered through the applicable government arrangements.
While the water allocation provides a long-term supply plan for Panvel, the five-year construction timeline means the city will continue to depend on its existing sources in the immediate future.
Long-Term Water Security for a Growing City
Panvel has been undergoing rapid urbanisation, driven by expanding residential development, improving connectivity and major infrastructure projects in and around Navi Mumbai. This growth is expected to increase pressure on existing water resources.
The 500 MLD allocation from Shilar is therefore being viewed as a major step towards strengthening Panvel’s water security through 2057.
The project’s immediate challenges will be completing construction within the projected timeframe and managing the significant financial contribution required from PMC.
Once operational, the additional supply could help bridge the current deficit, support future population growth and reduce dependence on multiple existing water sources.
For Panvel, the Shilar project represents a long-term water infrastructure investment designed to match the city’s expanding urban footprint, although residents will have to wait several years before the additional supply becomes available.
Source: The Free Press Journal
