A major water conservation measure has been announced across Navi Mumbai after the city’s primary drinking water source, the Morbe dam, recorded a significant drop in usable water levels ahead of the monsoon season. A 10% water cut will be implemented by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) from Monday as authorities attempt to manage the available reserves carefully during the peak summer period.
The civic administration stated that the decision had been taken as a precautionary step after water stock in the reservoir dropped below 20% of its total capacity. According to officials, only 36.87 million cubic metres of usable water currently remain in the Morbe dam, compared to its full storage capacity of 190.89 million cubic metres. Concerns have also been raised over increasing evaporation losses caused by high temperatures, growing daily water consumption and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming monsoon season.
It was explained by civic authorities that rising demand from Navi Mumbai’s expanding population had further increased pressure on the city’s water reserves. Weather-related concerns connected to El Nino and the Indian Ocean Dipole were also cited as factors influencing the administration’s decision to introduce restrictions before the arrival of the rains. Additional City Engineer Arvind Shinde stated that “there was no immediate cause for panic,” but added that careful and responsible water management had become necessary under the current conditions. He further explained that the reduction was being implemented to maintain continuity in the city’s water distribution system and to prepare for both present and future requirements.
Under the revised water distribution schedule, evening water supply will remain suspended twice every week in different parts of the city on a rotational basis. Belapur and Vashi will face evening water shutdowns on Mondays and Thursdays. Nerul and Koparkhairane will experience cuts on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while Turbhe and Ghansoli will be affected on Wednesdays and Sundays. In Airoli, water supply will continue to remain suspended every Friday due to ongoing maintenance connected with the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran system. Supply in Digha will depend on maintenance schedules.
The restrictions will also impact CIDCO-administered nodes including Kharghar and Kamothe. Water supply from the Morbe system to these areas will remain completely suspended every Friday because of pipeline maintenance work. Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde appealed to residents to cooperate with the civic administration and use water responsibly until reservoir levels improve after adequate rainfall. Officials confirmed that the restrictions would remain in force until satisfactory monsoon conditions restore the city’s water reserves.
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