Navi Mumbai: Water level in Ransai Dam depletes, supply may be affected

The water level of Ransai Dam, located in Dighode village in Uran can supply water just till the end of the month unless there is good rainfall in the next one week. The dam supplies water to more than one population in 37 Gram Panchayats, Uran township and government establishments.

The Ransai Dam was built by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) around 50 years ago and it is the prime source of water for 37 Gram Panchayats, Uran Municipal Council, JNPT township, and government establishments like defence among others.

This year so far only 80 mm of rainfall has been recovered in the catchment area while in the same period last year, around 600 mm of rainfall was also recorded. As per the official from the MIDC, the dam can supply water till June 30 and thereafter there will be unusable content in the dam. The majority of the water of the dam goes to government establishments in Uran.

Of the maximum height of the dam level of 116 feet, the dam is nearing its lowest at around 86 feet. "The water level in the dam will last only till June 30. There have already been water cuts once a week on Friday to manage the remaining water in the dam. However, in the next few days, if there is no rain in the catchment areas of Ransai dam, the citizens of the Uran area are likely to face a more severe water shortage,” said an official from Uran MIDC. He added that they have already appealed to the citizens to use water sparingly without wasting water.

The slow pace of the monsoon is adding woes to administration and residents. “Due to the low water levels, residents of Uran have been facing a water shortage since January. Scanty rainfall even after the monsoon has arrived on time, has put officials in a tough situation,” said a resident.