Panvel’s Future Water Supply at Risk, MLA Requests Help
In a critical move to address Panvel’s burgeoning water demands, local MLA Prashant Thakur has formally requested the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, to offer financial support for the proposed project to increase the height of the Dehrang Dam. The dam, which is a key source of drinking water for the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) area, faces immense pressure due to the city’s rapid urbanisation.
Panvel, a thriving city on the outskirts of Mumbai, has witnessed accelerated growth in population and industrial activity. Established as a municipal corporation in October 2016, PMC is now grappling with an expanding populace and the increasing demands of the region’s water supply. Proximity to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and the airport has further contributed to Panvel’s rapid development, resulting in a projected population of over one million by 2057. At present, the city requires 394 million litres per day (MLD) to meet the daily water needs of its residents. This figure is expected to double by 2057. However, current supply from various sources, including Dehrang Dam, CIDCO, and Morbe Dam, amounts to only 224 MLD, highlighting a significant supply-demand gap that is likely to worsen with time. To resolve this imminent water scarcity, Thakur has proposed raising the Dehrang Dam’s height by 20 meters, which would directly enhance its storage capacity and secure a more stable and long-term water supply for the growing population.
The PMC, recognising the urgency of the situation, submitted a proposal for this expansion on January 9, 2025, outlining an investment of approximately Rs 900 crore, which includes acquiring 294 hectares of land for the project. Given the financial constraints of the relatively new municipal corporation, Thakur has called on the state government to intervene with timely financial assistance. The proposed expansion is expected to be the only feasible solution to ensure water security in the future. The MLA’s call for state-backed funding underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to address the city’s water infrastructure challenges before a full-scale crisis sets in. With the urgency of this proposal, Thakur has appealed to the Maharashtra CM to prioritise the allocation of funds for the Dehrang Dam project, thereby safeguarding Panvel’s water supply in the long term.
