Mumbai: The Gargai dam will be made operational by May 2029, said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis directing officials to expedite all activities related to rehabilitation, afforestation and construction of the dam.Fadnavis on Monday held a review meeting for the project which is coming up in the Western Ghats in Palghar district. He said the project has been put on a fast track with a target to make it operational by May 2029. Approximately 844 hectares of land will be affected by the project, including 186 hectares of private land and 658 hectares of forest land. The submergence area will cover 805 hectares. The project cost is estimated at Rs 3,065 crore.The CM was informed that several statutory approvals for the project have already been obtained, including clearances from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), the National Committee on Seismic Design Standards, along with technical approvals for the project design and environmental clearances. The process of obtaining approval from the National Board for Wildlife is currently underway.Fadnavis also held a review of the proposed NAINA township. He directed the plans of the villages in Naina (Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area) area of Navi Mumbai should be approved immediately. He also directed the errors be removed and the property cards for the land be distributed to the villagers.
