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Surya Dam Initiates Water Supply to Vasai-Virar
In a significant move to address the water scarcity issue in the Vasai-Virar region, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has commenced the supply of water from the Surya Dam to the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC), bypassing the need for a formal inauguration.
‘Surya Dam Initiates Water Supply’: The directive for the immediate initiation of water supply came from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, following a model reminiscent of the Navi Mumbai Metro services that began without a formal inauguration.
Feedback from Officials
Vasai-Virar is now receiving 8 megaliters per day (MLD) of water, with plans for the supply to gradually increase to 185 MLD in the coming days. The MMRDA’s water supply project, which was ready in October, had been awaiting an inaugural event. However, with the Chief Minister’s order and the advocacy of local Shiv Sena MP Rajendra Gavit, the water supply process was expedited.
A senior MMRDA official emphasized that while the current water supply stands at 85 MLD, it will take some time to reach the full capacity of 185 MLD. The official stated, “The quantity of water supply will increase in the coming days,” reassuring residents of a gradual improvement in the water distribution system.
Despite being in a testing phase, VVMC officials acknowledged that, though Surya dam initiates water supply, it might be irregular initially. They explained that technical adjustments between the MMRDA and municipal corporation systems are underway, anticipating stability in the coming days. The VVMC official noted, “Within a few days, both systems will synchronize, and the water supply will go up to 100-110 MLD. Only after a month or two is it expected to reach the full capacity of 185 MLD.”
MHADA Virar-Bolinj Scheme
This development has had a ripple effect on the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), as it hopes to attract buyers for its 2,200 unsold flats from the Virar-Bolinj scheme. Despite the expiration of the application deadline, MHADA has decided to keep the lottery open on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Surya Dam water supply initiative is seen as a crucial factor in mitigating water shortage issues and subsequently boosting the appeal of the housing scheme in the Virar-Bolinj area.
