Advertisement
The Deharji Dam in Palghar district marked a major milestone as it achieved its first live impoundment with partial water storage reaching 5.147 Mcum about 5% of its full capacity- due to steady monsoon rainfall. Funded by MMRDA and executed by KIDC, the dam reached a reduced level of 90.00 metres, triggering overflow at the spillway and indicating both structural integrity and operational readiness. With 80% of construction already completed, the project aims to supply 255 MLD of drinking water to Vasai-Virar, CIDCO Palghar, and nearby villages, with full commissioning targeted by end-2027.
The Deharji Dam project in Palghar district has achieved a significant engineering milestone as it registered its first live impoundment with partial water storage. Under the leadership of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, MMRDA Chairman and Deputy Chief Shri Minister Eknath Shinde, and Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) reported the achievement as a strong indicator of the dam's operational readiness and structural soundness. Advertisement
This past week, following consistent rainfall in the Vikramgad region, the reservoir attained a partial live storage of 5.147 million cubic metres (Mcum), equivalent to 5% of its total designed capacity of 95.60 Mcum. The reservoir water level reached the Reduced Level (RL) of 90.00 metres, leading to a spillway overflow of 109.14 Mcum/sec. Water depth reached approximately 23.64 metres above the riverbed level of RL 66.36, marking the first successful water impoundment at the dam.
Officials stated that this development not only demonstrated the dam's hydrological and structural efficacy but also marked a tangible step forward in the state's broader water infrastructure strategy. MMRDA, which is funding the initiative while Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation (KIDC) executes it, views the dam as a crucial pillar in its mission to ensure climate resilience and regional water security.
The Deharji Project is located on the Deharji River, a tributary of the Vaitarna, near Suksale village in Vikramgad taluka. The project features an earthen and masonry dam with a total storage capacity of 95.60 Mcum and usable storage of 93.22 Mcum, equivalent to 255 million litres per day (MLD). The dam structure measures 2,450 metres in length and stands 71.60 metres tall. Its spillway spans 61.75 metres and is equipped with four radial gates.
Construction progress has been steady, with around 80% of physical work completed as of last month. Excavation started in mid-2022, and dam concreting began later that year. Stage-II forest clearance was obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) for over 445 hectares back in 2016, and all statutory permissions have since been secured.
Land acquisition is currently underway, with 238 hectares being acquired for the submergence area. Rehabilitation efforts are being carried out for 269 affected families from Khuled, Sakhre, and Jambe villages under the supervision of the Palghar District Collectorate.
MMRDA has so far invested INR 1,689.42 crore into the project, including INR 364.82 crore for land acquisition and rehabilitation. The total revised administrative sanction stands at INR 2,599.15 crore. A government resolution was passed earlier this year, aiming to complete the dam by the end of 2027.
Upon full commissioning, the Deharji Dam will deliver a reliable drinking water supply of 255 MLD, distributed among the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (190 MLD), CIDCO Palghar Region (50 MLD), and surrounding rural villages (15 MLD). MMRDA is also working on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to develop a bulk drinking water supply scheme for the region.
Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis had remarked that the Deharji Project symbolised the government?s resolve towards a climate-resilient and water-secure Maharashtra, emphasising the importance of collaborative governance. Deputy Chief Shri Minister Eknath Shinde called the milestone a substantial step forward in bolstering long-term water infrastructure, underlining MMRDA?s fast-track efforts in delivering critical infrastructure. Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee pointed out that the successful partial storage and overflow at RL 90.00 metres reflected the dam's readiness and projected it as a benchmark for future water infrastructure across the state.
As MMRDA continues its strategic role in supporting future-ready infrastructure, the dam stands as a beacon of regional integration and climate-conscious planning. Beyond engineering prowess, the project reflects a proactive governance model aimed at addressing long-standing water challenges through innovation, inter-agency collaboration, and a long-term public utility vision.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
