With Morbe Dam’s water stock at 73.9%, housing societies are adopting practical measures to reduce wastage and protect the city’s drinking water supply.

The Conservation

With water storage at Morbe Dam falling to 73.9%, housing societies across Navi Mumbai are stepping up conservation efforts to prevent unnecessary wastage and prepare for the coming months.

Several societies have introduced simple measures to reduce their dependence on the municipal water supply. These include using borewell water for non-drinking purposes, preventing tank overflows and encouraging residents to use water responsibly.

In Nerul, Bhimashankar Society has dug three borewells to provide water for activities such as vehicle washing and gardening. The society has 763 flats and 948 vehicles, making water conservation an important priority. In Belapur, Parsik Green Association is discouraging residents from washing cars with municipal drinking water. It is also monitoring storage tanks to prevent overflow and supports using treated wastewater for maintaining gardens.

Similarly, Samata Society in Sanpada has urged residents to be mindful of their daily water consumption, particularly while watering plants and using washing machines. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has also warned against using drinking water for vehicle washing and construction activities. Violators may face penalties and other action, including disconnection of the water supply.

The civic body has appealed to residents to repair leaking taps and pipelines, prevent water tanks from overflowing and avoid unnecessary consumption. As Morbe Dam remains the city’s main source of drinking water, the cooperation of housing societies and residents will be crucial in ensuring that available water is used wisely and the city’s supply remains secure.

Shiv Sena corporator Kishor Patkar seeks official records, questioning the different treatment given to two municipal officers.

The Decisions

A controversy has emerged in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) over two separate decisions involving civic officials, with questions being raised about transparency and the rules followed by the administration. The issue centres on former Deputy Commissioner Dr Kailas Gaikwad and Assistant Director of the Town Planning Department Somnath Kekan. The municipal general body recently approved a proposal to revoke Gaikwad’s suspension and reinstate him, despite his alleged involvement in a bribery case investigated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

In contrast, Kekan has reportedly been barred from entering the municipal office, even though a single-member inquiry had reportedly cleared him. The inquiry report, however, has not received approval from the general body. Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator Kishor Patkar has questioned the apparent difference in treatment. He has sought clarity on the legal grounds and procedures behind the two decisions. On October 14, Patkar wrote to the municipal secretary, requesting copies of the relevant resolutions, inquiry reports, official notes and legal opinions. He also asked which rules and provisions were used to justify the decisions.

The matter has sparked concerns over consistency in the civic body’s disciplinary process and the role of the municipal general body in such cases. The documents sought by Patkar are expected to help clarify the circumstances surrounding both decisions and whether the prescribed procedures were followed. The controversy has brought the administration’s handling of disciplinary matters under scrutiny.

Despite the state’s 10% water-cut directive from October 16, the minister says adequate supply is available and urges residents to avoid wasting drinking water.

The Relief

Navi Mumbai residents can expect relief from the state government’s proposed 10% water cut, with Forest Minister Ganesh Naik making it clear that the city does not need to face supply restrictions.

Speaking to the media after a public grievance meeting at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha, Ganesh Naik questioned the need for water cuts when the Morbe Dam currently holds around 70–72% of its capacity. He also pointed out that Navi Mumbai is expected to receive an additional 50 million litres per day (MLD) from the 12th dam within the next two to three months. Ganesh Naik said the city has sufficient water and stressed that better planning and responsible usage could help prevent shortages. He also directed attention towards the unnecessary use of drinking water for washing vehicles, construction activities and gardening.

Instead, he suggested using treated water from tertiary treatment plants for such purposes. He also noted that Navi Mumbai has around 300 wells whose water could be utilized to reduce pressure on the regular supply system. The minister emphasised that access to drinking water is a basic right for everyone, whether they live in slums, villages or urban areas. However, he said action should be taken against the improper use of water.

Ganesh Naik further indicated that any notice announcing water cuts in Navi Mumbai should be withdrawn. The issue is expected to come up for discussion at the municipal general body meeting. Residents will now look to the civic administration to ensure uninterrupted water supply while promoting responsible consumption.