Anticipating a delayed and potentially weak monsoon due to the impact of El Niño, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has decided to clean and reactivate 100 traditional open wells across the city for non-potable use.
Despite having its own 450 MLD-capacity Morbe Dam project, the civic body has already imposed a 10 per cent water cut as a precautionary measure to manage available resources until adequate rainfall is received.
Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has directed the Water Supply Department to survey, clean and assess traditional wells across Navi Mumbai after water levels in the Morbe Dam dropped to just 12.73 per cent of total storage capacity.
The initiative forms part of the civic body's broader water resource management strategy. During a review meeting, the commissioner instructed officials to conduct an immediate survey of traditional wells, undertake thorough cleaning operations and create systems for rainwater recharge to improve water availability in the coming months.
Officials said the decision has gained urgency due to forecasts of a delayed monsoon and growing concerns over water scarcity. Water from the restored wells is expected to be used for secondary purposes such as cleaning, washing, gardening and construction activities, thereby reducing pressure on treated drinking water supplies.
Additional City Engineer Arvind Shinde has directed water supply engineers in all ward offices to identify and clean wells in their respective jurisdictions and make the water available for non-drinking purposes.
Unlike borewells, traditional open wells already contain water but often accumulate silt and waste over time. Civic authorities have therefore instructed engineers to remove debris and ensure the wells are safe and functional before they are put back into use.
The municipal administration also plans to encourage housing societies and local representatives to utilise well water wherever feasible. Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has urged community participation in the initiative as part of efforts to conserve potable water resources.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the advance of the southwest monsoon has slowed due to unfavourable atmospheric conditions. Although the monsoon has reached parts of South Konkan, Maharashtra and Solapur, its further progress has stalled because of weak wind patterns and the absence of a strong monsoon current. Meteorologists, however, expect conditions to improve over the next three to four days.
With water levels in the Morbe Dam remaining low, NMMC believes the revival of 100 traditional wells will provide an important buffer against potential shortages and help ensure sustainable water management until the monsoon strengthens.
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