The Morbe Dam, a crucial water source for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) area, is currently filled to 91% of its total capacity, ensuring a stable water supply for the next 323 days. This significant development follows a period of favourable rainfall during July, which has markedly improved the dam’s water levels.
Civic officials have reported that with additional rainfall of up to 500 mm, the dam could potentially reach overflow levels. Last year, the Morbe Dam did not overflow due to delayed monsoon rains, leading the civic authorities to impose a half-day water cut across all wards on a weekly basis. This year’s improved rainfall has averted such measures for the time being. The dam’s catchment area has already received 2,764 mm of rainfall this season. For the dam to overflow, a total of 3,250 mm of rainfall is required.
Situated in Khalapur Taluka of the Raigad district, the catchment area experienced excessive rainfall last month, which has contributed to the current high water levels. At the end of June, the dam’s water reserves were critically low, with only enough water to last for 43 days. This prompted concerns over potential additional water cuts. However, the resurgence of monsoon rains has significantly boosted the dam’s storage levels, bringing them to over 90% within a month.
As of August 8, the total storage capacity of the Morbe Dam stands at 175.203 million cubic meters (MCM), out of a total capacity of 190.890 MCM. The water level is currently recorded at 86.36 meters, close to the maximum capacity of 88 meters. In 2021, the Morbe Dam overflowed on September 28, having received 3,748 mm of rainfall. The current situation suggests a positive outlook for water availability in Navi Mumbai, with the potential for the dam to overflow if the monsoon continues to be favourable.
