Swayam Khandgepatil : Navimumbailive.com@gmail.com
Navi Mumbai: In view of the delayed and below-normal monsoon forecast due to the impact of El Niño, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has decided to clean and reactivate 100 traditional open wells across the city for non-potable water use.
Following weather forecasts indicating a delayed onset of monsoon and lower rainfall this year, NMMC has already initiated precautionary measures to manage water resources efficiently. Despite having its own Morbe Dam project with a daily supply capacity of 450 million litres, the civic body has implemented a 10 percent water cut until sufficient rainfall replenishes water reserves.
At present, the Morbe Dam water stock stands at only 12.73 percent of its capacity. To augment available water resources, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has directed the Water Supply Department to identify, inspect, and restore approximately 100 traditional open wells located within the municipal limits.
The initiative forms part of the corporation’s broader water resource management strategy. During a review meeting with various civic departments, Commissioner Shinde instructed officials to conduct an immediate survey of traditional wells, undertake thorough cleaning operations, and establish rainwater recharge mechanisms to improve groundwater availability.
With concerns growing over a possible further delay in the monsoon due to El Niño conditions, the civic administration considers this measure crucial in addressing potential water shortages. Water from these wells can be utilized for secondary purposes such as washing, cleaning, gardening, maintenance of public parks, and construction activities, thereby reducing pressure on potable water supplies.
Additional City Engineer Arvind Shinde has directed water supply engineers across all ward offices to ensure comprehensive cleaning of wells in their respective areas and facilitate their use for non-drinking purposes. Officials have emphasized that open wells differ from borewells, as they already contain groundwater. However, accumulated silt, debris, and waste must be removed before the water can be safely utilized.
The administration has also sought the cooperation of housing societies and local public representatives to encourage the use of well water wherever feasible.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the progress of the southwest monsoon has slowed due to unfavorable atmospheric conditions. Although the monsoon has advanced into South Konkan, Maharashtra, and parts of Solapur, its further movement has stalled because of weak wind patterns and the absence of a strong monsoon current. However, meteorologists expect conditions to improve within the next three to four days.
As a precautionary measure, NMMC has moved ahead with the activation of 100 traditional wells to supplement available water resources. Officials believe that bringing these wells back into use will provide significant relief and strengthen the city’s preparedness against any prolonged water scarcity situation.
