‘Morbe dam can supply water for 2 months’

NMMC ASSURANCE As the city reels under water crisis, the civic body tells residents that the situation is under control

MORBE: The NMMC-owned Morbe dam with its current storage levels can supply water to the city till August 10. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation is keeping its fingers crossed that good rainfall will mitigate water crisis in the city.

“The dam’s current water level is at 64.7m. It has enough water to supply for the next 60 days. The maximum height of the dam at which the water overflows is 88m. At 55m, water from the dam can be used,” said Jaywant Mistry, executive engineer, NMMC.

He was part of a team led by opposition leader Vijay Chougule and standing committee chairman Shivram Patil to take stock of water levels of the dam. The delegation also included NMMC corporators.

Mistry gave a detailed technical explanation of the status to opposition members.

“If there is good rainfall in the catchment area of the dam this year, the water problem will be resolved,” Mistry added.

“Due to below average rainfall last year, the city has been facing water crisis this year. We wanted to check if steps are being taken to tackle the situation and the staff is doing its job,” said Chougule adding that he was satisfied with the inspection and expected that this year residents may heave a sigh of relief with abovenormal showers forecast.

Asking residents to not fear over water woes, Patil sounded upbeat and said the situation was under control. He added, “Unlike others we do not want to speak of 24-hour water supply to the city even when not required. We will ensure that residents get adequate water supply for their needs.”

Present along with Chougule and Patil were Shiv Sena spokesperson Dwarkanath Bhoir, corporators MK Madhvi, Deepak Pawar, Bharti Koli and Congress corporator Mira Patil, who recently helped Shivram Patil win standing committee election.

BACHCHAN KUMAR NMMC workers prune trees at Vashi as part of the pre-monsoon drive.