The Morbe Dam, Navi Mumbai’s primary drinking water source, has reached full capacity for the third consecutive year, bringing relief to the city. The annual Jalpujan was held by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) on Monday, September 8, 2025, to celebrate the milestone.
This year, the dam achieved its designed water level of 88.16 metres (100.80% storage) by the last week of August. In 2024, however, the same mark was reached much earlier in the first week of August.
As per NMMC records, rainfall at the Morbe Dam catchment measured 3,409.40 mm, while Navi Mumbai itself received 2,698.83 mm between June 1 and September 6, 2025. Officials said the levels are sufficient to secure the city’s water requirements until next monsoon.
But amid the rituals and relief, the spotlight quickly shifted to the quality of water.
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, who was present at the ceremony, pulled up civic and dam officials over encroachments in the catchment area. He alleged that bungalows and human settlements inside the protected zone are discharging untreated sewage into the reservoir, polluting Navi Mumbai’s drinking water.
Naik, while warning the NMMC and Dam officials said, “You should feel ashamed to call this clean water. Last year also I raised the issue, and you only issued notices. If laws are not followed, you will face cases. Don’t lie to citizens by calling this pure water. People living inside the catchment are letting their sewage flow into the reservoir. As a resident of this city, even I feel ashamed.”
Naik also warned officials that he would not hesitate to take legal action.
The remarks underscored a longstanding problem of repeated notices but little visible action on ground. Environmentalists warn that the health risks of contaminated water are high, especially during monsoon, when inflows rise and untreated waste can spread quickly.
Responding to the concerns, NMMC Commissioner Kailas Shinde said, “Water quality is our top priority. We are aware of the issues raised and have already directed strict action against illegal structures and sewage inflow points. Notices were served earlier, and now stronger measures are being taken to ensure Morbe water remains safe for public supply.”
For citizens, the overflowing dam is both a reassurance and a reminder that while there is enough water for another year, the real question is whether the water reaching their taps is truly clean.