The Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to address its perennial water crisis with the upcoming Nhavasheva Phase 2 scheme, a project by Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran. However, residents will have to endure at least another year of water scarcity before the 100 MLD (Million Liters per Day) solution becomes operational by September 2024. Having already invested Rs 173 crores in essential infrastructure, the PMC anticipates relief from the acute water shortage that plagues the region each summer. To manage the demand until the monsoon replenishes supplies, the civic body has implemented a one-day water cut in different areas.
The ongoing project involves the installation of new pipelines, upgrading the water supply system, and is expected to provide approximately 220 MLD of water to cater to the needs of Panvel Municipal Council (PMC), Cidco, JNPT, and MIDC. Delays attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and pipeline procurement challenges were mitigated after the intervention of Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur. Following the revival of the project's momentum, the laying of pipelines and associated works are slated for completion by September 2024, signaling the commencement of water supply. An official from the PMC water supply department stated that this comprehensive solution is anticipated to meet the water requirements of the region for the next two decades. Progress on the Nhavasheva Phase 2 scheme stands at 60%, with the remaining 40% of the project advancing rapidly. Encompassing 228 MLD, the scheme utilizes water released from Tata Power in the Patalganag river for supply. Currently, the Bhokadpada Water Treatment plant is actively engaged in treating 168 MLD of water under the scheme. Simultaneously, the construction of a 38-kilometer water channel from Patalganga to Rohingya is underway, with 10 kilometers of the channel already completed