Flowing Into the Future: Bhiwandi’s ₹426Cr Lifeline

The ₹426-crore water supply project under AMRUT Yojana 2.0 is aimed at ensuring sustainable and reliable water distribution for Bhiwandi, with a two-year completion timeline following the issuance of the work order on 17 January 2024.

For decades, Bhiwandi has faced acute water scarcity, forcing residents to rely on pre-dawn motor pumps and water tankers. Rapid population growth—from around seven lakh in 2011 to approximately 9.84 lakh in 2024—coupled with unplanned urbanisation and the proliferation of high-rise buildings, has placed immense pressure on the city’s existing water infrastructure.

The project is expected to add 100 million litres per day (MLD) to Bhiwandi’s water supply, with the objective of eliminating water shortages until 2052. Despite initial delays due to land ownership issues involving the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and challenges in securing regulatory approvals, officials remain confident that the major hurdles are now being resolved.

A key component of the project is the construction of 24 water reservoirs across the city, each with a storage capacity ranging from 1.2 to 2 million litres. These reservoirs are expected to ensure consistent water availability, even in densely populated areas, significantly improving the city’s long-term water security.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.