9 hrs ago
Activists Urge Scientific Morbe Dam Silt Assessment
People in Navi Mumbai have been worried about water shortages and interruptions.
Environmental activists want the city government to measure how much mud and sand have collected in Morbe Dam.
They say the dam has not been desilted since it came under the city corporation’s control nearly 25 years ago.
Figures from May 2025 showed that the dam held less than half of its designed capacity.
The activists say a scientific survey should come before any decision about removing silt.
They also want officials to publish updated storage figures.
Other suggestions include saving rainwater, helping water soak into the ground and reusing treated wastewater for jobs that do not need drinking water.
The activists say planning ahead can help protect the city’s water supply.
Environmental activists have asked the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation to assess sediment at Morbe Dam and examine whether desilting is feasible.
An NMMC RTI response cited by NatConnect Foundation says the dam has not been desilted since the corporation took control nearly 25 years ago.
NMMC data for May 2025 showed storage of 82.557 million cubic metres, 43.24% of the dam’s designed capacity of 190.890 million cubic metres.
After a month’s emergency reserve, usable storage was 51.957 million cubic metres, or 27.22%; activists have requested updated figures.
Activists also called for rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, treated wastewater reuse and improved long-term water planning.
- Who
- Environmental activists, including NatConnect Foundation, have urged the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation to assess Morbe Dam.
- What
- They want a scientific assessment of sediment, storage capacity and whether desilting is feasible, alongside broader water-conservation measures.
- Where
- Morbe Dam and Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- When
- The report is dated October 9, 2026; the cited NMMC storage figures are from May 2025.
- Why
- Recurring water supply disruptions and concerns about the city’s long-term water security.
Key facts
- Dam
- Morbe Dam
- Designed storage capacity
- 190.890 million cubic metres (MCM)
- Storage in May 2025
- 82.557 MCM, or 43.24% of designed capacity
- Usable storage after emergency reserve
- 51.957 MCM, or 27.22%
- Desilting history
- An NMMC RTI response cited by NatConnect says the dam has not been desilted since it came under the corporation’s control nearly 25 years ago.
- Requested assessment
- Scientific assessment of sediment load, actual live storage and the feasibility of removing silt
- Other proposed measures
- Rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and treated wastewater reuse for non-potable purposes
Quotes
Subhajit Mukherjee
Founder of Har Ghar Jal Sanchay Abhiyan.
“A scientific survey must first establish the sediment load, actual live storage and feasibility of removal.”
freepressjournal.in
“They treat water as a depleting commodity rather than a cultivable asset.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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