Massive water augmentation plan for NMIA, NAINA

Navi Mumbai: Ahead of the commissioning of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and boost development of Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) to realise the dream of the Third Mumbai, a massive water augmentation plan has been initiated in the Raigad district. 

The City Industrial and Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO) is working on various initiatives for water supply schemes. 

“As Navi Mumbai continues to grow and develop, our commitment to sustainable water management remains unwavering. With establishing a strong water supply network, we are not just meeting today’s demands, we are  building a resilient water infrastructure for tomorrow,” said Vijay Singhal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, CIDCO.

Looking at the significance of the water supply project, renowned project management consultancies have been appointed to bring international expertise in water tunnels and water treatment plants to monitor quality and progress. 

The augmentation of the Hetawane Water Supply Scheme is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

The ultimate water demand for CIDCO and NAINA areas is projected to reach 1275 MLD by 2050. 

To fulfil this demand, CIDCO has devised a comprehensive roadmap, leveraging existing sources such as Hetawane, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP), Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), while also developing new sources like Balganga Dam and Kondhane Dam.

The much anticipated Kondhane Dam project, proposed by CIDCO, is poised to become a crucial water source for the rapidly developing regions in CIDCO administered areas. The dam is strategically located on Ulhas River. The Dam is initially set to supply 250 Million litres per day (MLD) of water, which will eventually be increased to 350 MLD.

Considering the tentative completion time of 4-5 years for the Balganga and Kondhane Dam projects, CIDCO has requested additional water quotas from existing sources, including Hetawane Dam and MJP’s Nhava-Sheva Stage-III Water Supply Scheme, to mitigate the immediate water demand.

In August 2020, the Government of Maharashtra sanctioned an additional quota of 120 MLD against a payment of Rs. 119.80 Cr, increasing CIDCO’s present water allocation from Hetawane Dam to 270 MLD. To utilize this additional 120 MLD quota, CIDCO has appointed an expert consultant to design and augment the existing water supply system to 270 MLD.

The Hetawane water supply augmentation scheme is slated for completion by June 2029, with four phases of development underway. Currently, the water treatment plant is 41 per cent completed, the raw water tunnel is 8.5 per cent completed, and the work on pure water tunnels is 25.7 per cent completed. The Kondhane dam will streamline water supply for the NAINA project. The Hetawane water supply augmentation scheme will, in turn, ensure a steady water supply to CIDCO jurisdiction and Panvel Municipal Corporation area.