The City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) has embarked on a comprehensive water augmentation plan for the burgeoning Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) Influence Notified Area (NAINA), a strategic move to secure a sustainable water supply for the region’s projected growth. This proactive initiative is designed to meet an anticipated water demand of 1,275 Million Litres per Day (MLD) by 2050, underscoring a critical commitment to resilient urban planning and the creation of eco-friendly, equitable cities. The development is crucial as Navi Mumbai prepares for the commissioning of its international airport, a pivotal infrastructure project set to redefine the region’s economic landscape.
CIDCO’s multi-faceted strategy involves leveraging existing water sources while simultaneously developing new ones. The augmentation of the Hetawane Water Supply Scheme is a cornerstone of this plan, progressing through four phases with an anticipated completion by mid-2029. Current reports indicate significant progress, with the water treatment plant at 41% completion, the raw water tunnel at 8.5%, and the pure water tunnels at 25.7% completion. This methodical approach highlights a commitment to robust engineering and long-term water security, essential for supporting the rapid urbanisation envisioned for the NAINA region.
A key component of this forward-thinking approach is the development of new water sources, notably the Kondhane Dam on the Ulhas River. This project is poised to initially supply 250 MLD of water, with plans for an eventual increase to 350 MLD, providing a crucial lifeline to CIDCO-administered areas. While the Balganga and Kondhane Dam projects are projected to take four to five years for completion, CIDCO has proactively secured additional water quotas from existing sources, including the Hetawane Dam and Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran’s (MJP) Nhava-Sheva Stage-III Water Supply Scheme, to bridge immediate demand gaps. This strategic foresight ensures that the region’s growth is not hampered by water scarcity, a common challenge in rapidly expanding urban centres.
The integration of advanced technology and expert consultation is a hallmark of this project. CIDCO has engaged renowned project management consultancies to infuse international expertise into the design and execution of water tunnels and treatment plants, ensuring adherence to global standards of quality and efficiency. The use of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) named ‘Flamingo’ in collaboration with Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. has already achieved national records for single-day and monthly progress in tunnel excavation, demonstrating an embrace of modern, efficient construction techniques that minimise environmental impact and accelerate project timelines.
This expansive water augmentation plan extends beyond merely supplying the Navi Mumbai International Airport. It is designed to provide a stable and adequate water supply to the entire NAINA project, a sprawling planned urban region encompassing approximately 170 villages across Pen, Panvel, and Uran talukas. NAINA is envisioned as a network of self-sustaining small cities, designed to be hubs for agro-farming, education, trade, information technology, services, and medical treatment. Ensuring water security for such a diverse and rapidly developing area is fundamental to its success and its alignment with smart city principles, which prioritise sustainable resource management and high quality of life for residents.
The environmental implications of such large-scale water infrastructure projects are being carefully considered. By developing new sources and augmenting existing ones, CIDCO aims to meet demand without over-relying on any single source, thereby promoting a balanced and sustainable approach to water resource management. This aligns with the broader agenda of creating zero net carbon and eco-friendly cities, where resource efficiency and environmental protection are paramount. The long-term vision includes not only providing sufficient potable water but also exploring possibilities for wastewater treatment and recycling, further closing the loop on water usage and reducing the ecological footprint of urban development.
Ultimately, CIDCO’s ambitious water upgrade for the Navi Mumbai airport zone and NAINA is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a strategic investment in the region’s future liveability and economic prosperity. By proactively addressing the critical need for water security, Navi Mumbai is setting a precedent for sustainable urban development in India. This integrated approach, combining robust engineering, strategic resource planning, and an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, lays a strong foundation for a resilient, gender-neutral, and equitable urban landscape, poised to become a model for future city planning across the nation.
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