KALYAN: The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) plans to build a dam of its own with a proposed capacity of 550 million litres per day (MLD) to meet the city’s growing water demand. The civic body’s general body approved a proposal to appoint a consultant for the project.The proposal was tabled as an urgent subject, considering the rising population and the projected increase in water demand. KDMC’s daily water requirement is expected to reach 800 MLD by 2051, making the development of an independent water source a long-term necessity.City engineer Dr Shailesh Kulkarni said around 1,100 hectares of land would be required for the proposed dam. The civic body has identified potential locations around 60 km from the city, prioritising sites where land acquisition would affect fewer people.The Ulhas and Kalu rivers are being considered as possible locations for the project, with three sites shortlisted for assessment. The administration will evaluate their suitability before selecting one for the dam.Finalising the location, minimising displacement and securing the necessary clearances will be key challenges.The project is estimated to cost between Rs 4,000 crore and Rs 5,000 crore. KDMC has made a provision of Rs 50 lakh in its current budget for the initial process. Mobilising funds for construction will be a major challenge, with state government assistance likely to be crucial.During Wednesday’s meeting, BJP corporator Upeksha Bhoir, corporator Mandar Halbe and Dipesh Mhatre participated in the discussion.Municipal commissioner Abhinav Goel, Mayor Harshali Chaudhari, Deputy mayor Rahul Damle, standing committee chairman Mallesh Shetty, and local MPs and MLAs have also pushed for expediting the proposal.Currently, KDMC draws 320 MLD from the Ulhas river and another 4 MLD from the Kalu river against its approved quota. The civic body operates water treatment plants at Netivali, Mohili and Barave but does not have its own water source.The pressure on the region’s water infrastructure has increased since 27 villages were incorporated into KDMC in 2015.These villages depend on the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), which has an approved allocation of 105 MLD but reportedly supplies only around 55 MLD.The proposed dam is expected to strengthen KDMC’s long-term water security, although its implementation will depend on site selection, clearances and funding.
