CIDCO charts multi-pronged strategy to meet Navi Mumbai water demand

The government of Maharashtra’s town planning and infrastructure development authority, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has devised a comprehensive roadmap, leveraging existing sources and developing new sources like Balganga Dam and Kondhane Dam to meet the increasing water demand in Navi Mumbai.

The rapid transformation of Mumbai’s satellite city, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA), and Mass Housing schemes, is putting pressure on the region’s water supply systems.

In response to this, CIDCO is executing a multi-source water supply strategy aimed at both immediate and long-term needs.


“As Navi Mumbai continues to grow and develop, our commitment to sustainable water management remains unwavering. With establishing the strong water supply network, we are not just meeting today's demands, we're building a resilient water infrastructure for tomorrow,” said Vijay Singhal, vice chairman and managing director, CIDCO.

To cater to the projected water demand of 1275 million litres per day (MLD) by 2050 in CIDCO and NAINA areas, the corporation is drawing from existing sources like Hetawane Dam, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP), Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), while also developing new reservoirs such as Balganga and Kondhane dams.

The proposed Kondhane Dam, located on the Ulhas River, is expected to be a major water source for the region. Initially planned to supply 250 MLD, it will later be scaled up to 350 MLD.

In view of the 4-5-year timeline for the Kondhane and Balganga projects, CIDCO has requested additional allocations from current sources. In August 2020, the Maharashtra government approved an additional quota of 120 MLD from Hetawane Dam for Rs. 119.80 crore, increasing CIDCO's total allocation from this source to 270 MLD.

To implement the increased supply, CIDCO appointed a consultant to augment the existing system. The Hetawane Water Supply Scheme augmentation, underway in four phases, is expected to be completed by June 2029. Current progress includes 41% completion of the water treatment plant, 8.5% of the raw water tunnel, and 25.7% of the pure water tunnel, CIDCO said.

The authority has also engaged leading project management consultancies to oversee water tunnel and treatment plant construction.

Once operational, the Hetawane and Kondhane initiatives will stabilize water supply to CIDCO’s jurisdiction and the Panvel Municipal Corporation, playing a critical role in the sustainability of the region’s urban expansion.