The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stepped up monitoring of water consumption across the city as storage levels at Morbe Dam, its primary water source, remain below last year’s levels.
The civic administration has formed special teams to inspect swimming pools and construction sites and ensure that drinking water is not being diverted for non-essential purposes. Commissioner Dr Kailash Shinde has directed officials to keep a close watch on water usage as the corporation prepares to review the dam’s storage position on November 30.
Although a proposed water cut from Gokulashtami was withdrawn following pressure from the ruling BJP in the municipal corporation, concerns over water availability have resurfaced as rainfall weakened during August and September.
Navi Mumbai experienced substantial rainfall in July, but showers reduced significantly in August, while September has so far failed to add enough water to the reservoir.
As of September this year, Morbe Dam has around 91% total storage and 75% usable storage. On September 16 last year, the dam had reached 100% storage, with 84% usable water available.
Construction Sites Under Scrutiny
The water supply department has been instructed to ensure that potable water connections provided to workers and other personnel at construction sites are not used for construction-related activities.
Officials have been told that if drinking water is found being diverted for construction or other purposes, the concerned connection should be disconnected immediately.
The civic body is also urging swimming pools to maximise water reuse and recycling, helping reduce fresh-water consumption.
Water Supply Review Planned
The NMMC had earlier decided to stop evening water supply twice a week from the end of May as a conservation measure. The proposed reduction was subsequently withdrawn after water levels improved and the ruling party sought its cancellation.
With reservoir storage now coming under renewed scrutiny, the civic administration has begun preparing for possible conservation measures.
According to senior water supply department officials, a detailed assessment of Morbe Dam’s storage will be conducted on November 30, following which the corporation may announce a revised water-supply schedule from December 1.
Officials have also indicated that the review could be advanced if rainfall remains inadequate over the next 15 days and reservoir levels decline further.
The current monitoring drive is therefore aimed at conserving available water while assessing whether additional restrictions may be necessary. For Navi Mumbai, the coming weeks will be important in determining how long the existing water supply arrangement can continue without further conservation measures.
Source: Loksatta
