Mumbai: With the state grappling with drought, the state govt has set up a study group to prepare a comprehensive plan by studying the water requirement, available water resources, potential deficit and alternatives for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for the next 25 years. The study group is led by Dr. Sanjay Belsare, former Secretary of Water Resources Department, and includes senior officials from BMC, TMC, MMDRA, NNMC, KDMC and other agencies in the MMR. The study group will determine the gap between future water demand for 2031, 2041 and 2051 and availability. It will prepare a long-term water security plan till 2051 and create a road map. The study group has been asked to submit its final report within three months. The panel will also study technical and economic feasibility of recycling wastewater, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, revitalisation of local water sources and other alternative water sources.The study group will conduct an area-wise review of the population of the areas, current water supply, water demand, water resources, availability and water deficit, and take a comprehensive review of the current situation. It will determine the water that is or will be available from the completed, in progress, approved and proposed water supply projects and water supply schemes in MMR by conducting a comprehensive review. It will carry out technical evaluation of reliable water availability from dams, reservoirs, rivers, groundwater and other water sources, existing reserves, water in use as well as water sources that may be available in the future.“The study group has been asked to determine the aggregate water demand for MMR for the years 2031, 2041 and 2051 by determining the quantity of water required for domestic, industrial, commercial, institutional, construction and other uses. It will determine the potential water deficit area-wise and period-wise by comparing the estimated water demand and available/fixed water availability for the years 2031, 2041 and 2051. It will prepare a long-term water security plan till 2051 by making integrated planning of available and potential water resources, water supply schemes, distribution systems, recycled water and alternative sources for MMR. It will prioritise the new water resources, water reservoirs, water supply schemes, distribution systems and recycling projects required for the phases of 2031, 2041 and 2051, and determine the estimated cost, implementation period, funding requirements and responsibilities of the relevant departments/institutions creating a road map,” a govt Resolution (GR) issued by the Water Resources Department said.Officials said at the moment, in MMR, water is being supplied from the dams of the Water Resources Department as well as from the water sources of various local bodies. “However, it is necessary to study the aggregate water demand, available and potential water resources, existing and proposed water supply schemes, potential water deficit, alternative water sources, recycled water, water use efficiency and the impact of climate change in an integrated manner for the entire MMR till 2051. So the study group is set up to prepare a long-term and sustainable water management plan for the next 25 years for MMR,” an official said.
