New Phase for Kondhane Dam Project

The City Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) is set to initiate the construction of the Kondhane Dam on the Ulhas River in Raigad district. The dam is designed to supply water to the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA), Navi Mumbai airport, and surrounding regions. This project is expected to benefit approximately 1.85 million people, with the dam’s reservoir providing a vital water source for the area.

Historical Controversy and Current Status

The Kondhane Dam project has a troubled history, entangled in a massive corruption scandal involving an estimated ₹60,000 crore. High-profile figures, including Ajit Pawar and Raigad MP Sunil Tatkare, were implicated in this irrigation scam, which highlighted issues such as inflated tenders and construction costs. While many politicians have since been cleared of wrongdoing and resumed their roles, the project’s oversight was transferred from the irrigation department to CIDCO in 2017.

Project Details and Timelines

CIDCO Managing Director Vijay Singhal confirmed that the project, which had stalled for several years, is now moving forward. CIDCO has issued a new tender and aims to finalize the work order before the assembly election code of conduct comes into effect. The construction is expected to take four years and will address the water needs of the new township for the next 30 years. The project’s estimated cost has risen dramatically from ₹56.16 crore in 2006-2007 to ₹614 crore in 2012, becoming a focal point of the scam.

Revised Plans and Future Developments

Initially, the dam was planned as an earthen structure, but CIDCO will now build a cement concrete dam. The updated specifications include an 80-meter-high dam across the Ulhas River at Kondhane Village, with a full reservoir level at a specified elevation. The project will displace two villages, Kondhane and Chochi, and relocate 118 families about 8 kilometers away. Other affected villages include Udewai, Kune, and Nandgaon.

Ongoing Concerns

Anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania has voiced concerns about the new development, particularly the integrity of the tendering process. She emphasized the need for transparency to prevent a repeat of previous issues, such as the manipulation seen in 2011 when tenders were fraudulently filed.

Current Water Supply

Currently, Navi Mumbai's water needs are met by several sources, including the Hetawane Water Supply Scheme, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran’s Patalganga Project, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s Morbe Dam, and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation-owned Barvi Dam.

CIDCO’s new initiative to advance the Kondhane Dam project signals a significant development in addressing the region's water requirements, despite its controversial past and complex logistical challenges.