MSRDC Plans To Build Dam Near Khandala To Improve Water Supply In 71 Villages Along Mumbai-Pune Belt: Report

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is reportedly planning to construct a dam near Khandala to provide reliable water supply to 71 villages spread across 186.72 square km in Panvel and Khalapur talukas of Raigad district, Hindustan Times reported.

This area lies strategically between Mumbai and Pune and falls under MSRDC’s jurisdiction as a Special Planning Authority (SPA), a role it assumed in March 2016.

The region was earlier part of the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA).

Despite proximity to the Morbe and Devloli dams and the Patalganga River, existing water sources are reportedly uncertain for the projected needs.

MSRDC has decided to prepare a detailed project report over the next year for the dam's construction.

A technical consultant would be appointed and entrusted with the task of assisting MSRDC with the bidding process, drafting the contract agreement, among others.

The official document, quoted in the HT report, notes, “The project area, being partly peri-urban and partly rural in nature, does not have a well-developed water supply, sewerage and solid waste management network.”

MSRDC wants to undertake the task of identifying water sources for its area.

Crucially, the proposed dam site lies within the Western Ghats, a UNESCO-designated ecologically sensitive zone, raising engineering and environmental complexities, particularly for drainage and flood management.

If the plans fructify, this would be the fifth major dam in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, joining Middle Vaitarna, Surya (due later this year), and the upcoming Gargai and Pinjal projects.

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