Navi Mumbai: In a major boost to water supply infrastructure for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Maharashtra Cabinet has granted administrative approval for the Rs 6,394.13 crore Poshir water project in Karjat taluka of Raigad district. The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The project proposes the construction of a dam on the Poshir River near Kurung village in Karjat taluka, with a total capacity of 12.344 TMC (thousand million cubic feet). Of the total usable storage capacity of 9.721 TMC, 7.933 TMC is allocated for drinking water and 1.859 TMC for industrial purposes.
Water from the project is intended to be supplied to key urban centres including Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, and Badlapur. In line with this, capital cost sharing has been proportionately distributed among the beneficiary institutions.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will bear 33.96% of the cost, amounting to Rs 2,171.45 crore. Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation will contribute 43.53% amounting to Rs 2,783.37 crore. Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation’s share is set at 9.56%, totaling Rs 611.28 crore. Ambernath Municipal Council will provide 7.07% amounting to Rs 452.06 crore, while Badlapur Municipal Council will contribute 5.88%, equaling Rs 375.97 crore.
The project will be implemented by the Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation on a deposit basis. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between all participating bodies, including the Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation, MMRDA, and the respective municipal corporations and councils.
To oversee the project execution, a steering committee will be formed under the chairmanship of the Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA. The committee will include representatives from all beneficiary local self-governing institutions and the Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation, said a statement released by Raigad administration.
"The Poshir project is expected to significantly enhance the drinking water supply and support industrial growth in rapidly urbanizing parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region," the administration said.
