Navi Mumbai battles water crisis as Morbe Dam hits record lows

Navi Mumbai faces growing water scarcity as Morbe Dam levels drop to just 12.73 per cent. The municipal corporation has already imposed a 10 per cent water cut, despite owning the 450 million litres per day dam project. The situation has prompted urgent calls for sustainable water management across the city. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has ordered a survey of traditional wells within the city limits. NMMC will clean and reactivate 100 of these open wells for non-potable use. The revived water sources will support gardening, road cleaning, sanitation, construction and other secondary needs.

The corporation is now encouraging housing societies and local representatives to join the well restoration effort. B N Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, has stressed the need for large-scale rainwater harvesting and long-term climate adaptation. He described the current redevelopment boom in Navi Mumbai as a 'golden opportunity' to integrate climate action into urban planning.

Kumar has also urged NMMC to make rainwater harvesting systems mandatory for all redevelopment projects. He proposed that the corporation showcase these systems at its own headquarters to set an example. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has reported a slowdown in the southwest monsoon due to poor atmospheric conditions. The water cut remains in place as the city seeks alternative solutions. Revived wells will ease pressure on the main supply but are not intended for drinking. Officials and activists continue to push for systemic changes to secure Navi Mumbai’s water future.