Mumbai’s Eighth Wonder: BMC Greensigns ₹5,000Cr Gargai Dam

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Standing Committee has approved the long-pending Gargai dam project in Palghar district at a revised cost of ₹3,065.68 crore, marking a significant step toward addressing Mumbai’s growing water demand.

Originally conceived in 1994 and revived by the Mahayuti government in 2019, the project involves the construction of a 972-metre-long dam on the Gargai River, a sub-tributary of the Vaitarna River. Once completed, it will become Mumbai’s eighth reservoir. The total project cost, including taxes, is estimated at ₹5,051 crore following the resolution of earlier price escalation concerns.

The dam is expected to supply an additional 440 million litres per day (MLD), helping bridge the gap between Mumbai’s current water demand of 4,665 MLD and its existing supply of 4,100 MLD. To facilitate implementation, a dedicated cell of 10 officers will be appointed for one year to oversee land acquisition.

However, environmental concerns persist, as the project could impact around 3.10 lakh trees and affect local communities. The Standing Committee noted that cost escalation has been contained to approximately 2% above initial estimates, with contractors agreeing to execute the work at standard rates, ensuring overall financial viability.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.