The Maharashtra government has initiated work on a comprehensive water management strategy for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), aiming to secure adequate supplies for Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and neighbouring areas until 2051.
A committee has been established to prepare the long-term plan, with retired Water Resources Department Secretary Dr Sanjay Belsare appointed as its head. The panel has been directed to submit its findings within three months.
The assessment will estimate water requirements for 2031, 2041 and 2051, taking into account population increases, urban expansion, industrial growth and upcoming infrastructure developments. It will also review current water availability, ongoing projects and proposed supply schemes to identify potential shortages across residential, industrial and rural areas.
Assessing Future Water Requirements
The committee will examine whether existing sources and distribution networks can meet the region’s growing needs. It will also identify opportunities to strengthen supplies and improve the efficiency of water delivery.
Potential measures include developing additional water sources, recycling wastewater, expanding rainwater harvesting, replenishing groundwater reserves and reducing leakage from pipelines. The study will also consider how climate change could affect water availability and the region’s long-term water security.
Infrastructure and Funding Priorities
A key objective is to establish clear priorities for future water infrastructure. The proposed roadmap will outline the projects required, their estimated costs, funding needs and implementation schedules.
The committee includes representatives from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the municipal corporations of Thane, Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-Dombivli, and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, alongside other relevant agencies.
Government departments and local authorities will contribute information on population forecasts, industrial development and existing as well as planned water infrastructure.
Coordinated Planning for Water Security
The initiative seeks to create a unified approach to water management across the MMR, where rapid urbanisation and rising demand are increasing pressure on available resources.
By forecasting future requirements and identifying infrastructure gaps well in advance, the government aims to support more effective planning, investment and implementation. The resulting strategy is expected to guide decisions on water supply and distribution over the coming decades, helping the region prepare for its projected needs through 2051.
Source: Mumbai Live
