Uran in Navi Mumbai is set to face tighter water restrictions from October 27, with the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) announcing twice-weekly cuts as storage at Ransai dam continues to decline. The restrictions will affect Uran town, surrounding villages and industrial units, with shortages emerging earlier than they did last year.
The move follows a Maharashtra government directive to implement a 10% water cut from October 16. With the dam’s water level reportedly dropping by approximately an inch each day, MIDC has appealed to consumers to use water carefully.
“The state government has ordered a 10% water cut from October 16, but the restrictions for Uran residents will come into effect from October 27,” said Tanaji Kamble, deputy engineer, Uran MIDC.
Last year, heavy monsoon rainfall caused Ransai dam to overflow three times, allowing uninterrupted supplies until December. This year, however, rationing has begun in October, raising concerns about the availability of water through the coming months.
Uran’s daily requirement stands at approximately 41 million litres per day (MLD), while MIDC generally supplies around 30 MLD. This leaves a shortfall of 10–11 MLD despite supplementary sources. Industries consume about 25 MLD, while Uran town and rural settlements account for 4.5 MLD and 6.5 MLD, respectively.
The dam’s current water level is 113 feet, compared with 116.6 feet during the corresponding period last year. Its storage has declined from 10.018 million cubic metres to 9.212 million cubic metres. Constructed by MIDC in 1971 at Dighode village, the reservoir was designed to hold around 10 million cubic metres. However, accumulated silt has reportedly reduced its effective capacity to below 7 million cubic metres.
Rural villages face severe shortages
Several rural areas are already experiencing acute difficulties. Residents in the Chanje and Kegaon gram panchayat regions reportedly receive water for only 30 minutes once every 15 days.
Around 35,000 people across ten eastern Uran villages depend on Punade dam, while Chirner, Koproli and Khopta receive supplies from Cidco’s Hetawane dam.
Residents have cited delayed village water schemes, poor planning and alleged water theft as contributing factors. Uran municipal council president Bhavana Ghanekar has also alleged that five reservoirs remain uncleaned, raising concerns about water quality.
Source: Hindustan Times
