State Wildlife Board Approves Gargai Dam Project for Mumbai's Water Supply
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Synopsis
In a significant development, the State Wildlife Board has approved the Gargai Dam project to enhance water supply in Mumbai, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This approval includes wildlife and environmental clearances, ensuring timely execution and addressing the growing needs of the city's population.
Key Takeaways
- Gargai Dam project approved for Mumbai's water supply.
- Chief Minister emphasizes tiger corridor mapping.
- Voluntary land acquisition from farmers.
- Forest Department to secure necessary clearances.
- Impact on local villagers reduced.
Mumbai, April 17 (NationPress) In a pivotal step to fulfill the drinking water requirements of Mumbai, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired the State Wildlife Board (SWB) on Thursday, which has officially sanctioned the wildlife and environmental clearances necessary for the Gargai Dam project.
Moreover, the Chief Minister has mandated that the tiger movement corridor be established according to the map from the Centre’s Parivesh Portal. A resolution was also made to voluntarily acquire private land from farmers along this corridor.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Gargai project is essential for Mumbai's expanding population.
“With the endorsement of the 844.879-hectare land diversion proposal, more drinking water will be accessible for the residents of Mumbai. He instructed the Forest Department to issue the necessary wildlife and environmental permits in accordance with the stipulated conditions, ensuring the prompt completion of the Gargai Dam project,” he stated.
He further remarked that the Forest Department must present a comprehensive proposal to the National Wildlife Board and swiftly secure the required wildlife and environmental clearances to expedite the project.
The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation mentioned in its annual budget for 2025-26 the commitment to advancing the Gargai dam project.
BMC noted that preliminary engineering tasks for the project have been finalized, with the majority of necessary technical clearances already obtained. With the SWB's clearance today, BMC has successfully navigated a significant hurdle prior to issuing a tender.
During the meeting, comprehensive discussions were held concerning development projects within protected areas and ecologically sensitive zones along the tiger movement corridor.
“The corridor should be identified based on the map from the Centre's Parivesh Portal. The private land located within this corridor ought to be acquired with the consent of landowners,” the Chief Minister stated.
He also stressed the importance of voluntarily acquiring private land for afforestation, especially along the tiger movement corridor adjacent to the tiger project, in exchange for forest land taken for infrastructure projects.
Additionally, approvals were granted to mitigate the land acquisition impact on villagers from Janaiwadi in Chandoli National Park, as well as for the endorsement of a floating solar energy project within the protected area of the Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary, among other significant proposals.
