THANE: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has sought 50 MLD (million liters per day) of water from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to offset a shortage of 51 MLD. TMC is seeking raw water from Pise Dam, which it will treat at its own expense before supplying to residents.
Pipelines have already been laid from the dam to the city, with work remaining only at Vasai Creek. This could be the easiest and least expensive solution, as the TMC’s pipelines already extend up to the MBMC border at Chena on Ghodbunder Road. Over the past year, the TMC’s water demand increased from 621 MLD to 640 MLD, an increase of 19 MLD while its supply remained unchanged at 590 MLD. As monsoon in the state was not substantial and several parts of Maharashtra are facing drought-like conditions, the state government recently asked all municipal corporations in the state to reduce water supply by 10%.
The civic body also expects to receive additional water once the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) begins receiving its supply from the Surya Dam, according to Pawar.
Land acquisition for these projects is under way and is expected to be completed by 2030, assuming conditions remain favourable, as farmers continue to protest against the land acquisition,” said Pawar. “We have tried all sources, including the BMC, MIDC and STEM, to secure additional water. Now, our only hope is to get water from Kalu and Shahi dams.
