BackPOLITICS
Morbe reserves may last only 82 days, warns NMMC
NMMC warns that usable Morbe dam reserves could sustain Navi Mumbai for about 82 days at the current consumption rate as reservoir levels fall amid forecasts of a delayed, below-normal monsoon. The city is preparing a summer contingency plan and has scheduled a 24-hour water shutdown for May 13-14 for critical maintenance and upgrades. The warning follows a dam-site inspection by the municipal commissioner and IMD projections on monsoon timing.
Why It Matters
The potential for reduced water supply could necessitate policy decisions on distribution and trigger contingency planning to manage urban water demand ahead of the monsoon season.
Timeline
3 Events
Scheduled 24-hour water shutdown planned for May 13-14 for maintenance
May 11, 2026
A 24-hour water shutdown across parts of Navi Mumbai is planned on May 13 and 14 for maintenance at the Bhokarpada water treatment facility, leak rectification on the Morbe pipeline near Agroli bridge and beneath the bridge near Chikhale village. Works will include installation of major valves, SCADA-related upgrades and pre-monsoon infrastructure maintenance. Areas likely to be affected include Belapur, Nerul, Vashi, Turbhe, Sanpada, Koparkhairane, Ghansoli and Airoli, along with Cidco nodes such as Kharghar and Kamothe.
NMMC warns Morbe reserves may last 82 days; storage and rainfall outlook
May 11, 2026
NMMC data show Morbe dam has a gross storage capacity of 190.890 MCM, with only 72.262 MCM (37.85%) currently remaining. After reserving one month of emergency stock, usable storage is 41.662 MCM (21.82%). At the present drawal rate, this usable reserve could last about 82 days, prompting caution and potential future decisions on water distribution. IMD projects the southwest monsoon at 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA), with onset likely around June 10 or 11. Officials note replenishment remains a major concern: Morbe catchment receives an average of 3,617 mm annually, while about 3,500 mm is normally required to fill the reservoir; with current conditions, nearly 3,600 mm rainfall may be necessary, and at 92% of normal, around 3,327 mm may be received, making full replenishment this year unlikely.
Shinde inspects Morbe dam project area ahead of monsoon
May 9, 2026
Municipal commissioner Kailas Shinde inspected the Morbe dam project area in Raigad district to assess reservoir storage, catchment conditions, land protection measures and contingency planning ahead of the monsoon.