Mumbai’s next big reservoir — Gargai dam finally gets Rs 3,000-cr greenlight

The BMC has finally floated a ₹3,000-crore tender to build the 69-metre Gargai dam in Palghar district, along with a 1.6km tunnel connecting it to Modak Sagar. The tunnel will cut through the hill separating the reservoirs, marking a major step toward expanding Mumbai’s long-stretched water infrastructure.

Once operational, Gargai will add 440 MLD of drinking water to Mumbai, making it the first new reservoir since Middle Vaitarna in 2014. The project aims to strengthen supply reliability for the growing metropolitan region, ensuring greater resilience as demand steadily increases.

Gargai will be constructed using roller-compacted concrete, similar to Middle Vaitarna. This method enables faster construction and strong structural stability, helping the BMC target an accelerated build schedule despite the dam’s size and challenging terrain.

The project includes a 1,200-kilowatt hydropower component designed to reduce the dam’s long-term electricity expenses. By generating power from water discharge, the system will help lower operational costs while enhancing the sustainability profile of the new reservoir.

Around three lakh trees need to be transplanted across neighbouring villages, including two directly impacted by the reservoir footprint. To compensate for loss of forest cover, afforestation across 658 hectares in Washim, Chandrapur and Hingoli has been proposed as part of the plan.

Residents from six affected villages will be shifted to Devali in Wada taluka. The plan includes developing complete infrastructure at the resettlement site—housing, roads, water supply and essential services—to ensure a smoother transition for all displaced families.

Before work can begin, the project requires crucial forest approvals from state and central authorities, along with wildlife clearance due to its eco-sensitive zone. These nods will determine when construction mobilization can officially start and how quickly timelines can be met.

The first year after awarding the contract is earmarked for securing permissions and preparing infrastructure for relocating villages. Core dam construction is set for the second year, followed by installation of electrical and mechanical systems, including a hydropower unit, in the third.