Kalu Dam Project

Project Overview

The Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation (KIDC), Thane, has undertaken the construction of the Kalu Dam Project across the Kalu River at Village Khapri, Taluka Murbad, District Thane. The project is proposed to be executed through the funds provided by the Authority. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Mumbai, accorded administrative approval for an amount of ₹661.01 crore for the project during its 125th meeting held on 03 August 2009.

Salient Features of the Project

The Kalu Dam Project is an exclusive drinking water supply project designed to augment the water resources of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The proposed dam has a total length of 720 metres and is envisaged as an earthen dam structure, with the spillway component constructed in a concrete structure. The project is primarily aimed at addressing the increasing drinking water requirements of the rapidly developing urban and rural areas within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and ensuring a sustainable long-term water supply source.

Present Status of the Project

• In accordance with the directions of the Hon’ble High Court, construction activities of the project were suspended from 02^nd March 2012 due to non-availability of necessary forest clearance for the forest land involved in the project.
• Subsequently, the Hon’ble High Court, vide its order dated 13^th January 2020, lifted the stay imposed on the project.
• The process of land acquisition required for the project is currently under progress through the Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation.
• The Authority has provided funds amounting to ₹396.44 crore towards Net Present Value (NPV) to facilitate payment to the Forest Department as required for obtaining approval for the forest land involved in the project.
• The approval granted by the Forest Department has lapsed upon completion of the stipulated period of five years.
• The Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation is undertaking further necessary follow-up with the concerned authorities for revival and restoration of the said approval.
• Out of the total funds sanctioned by the Authority, an amount of ₹ 527.79 crore has been incurred towards the project expenditure till date.

Benefits of the Project:

Upon completion, the Kalu Dam Project will provide approximately 1140 MLD of drinking water supply. The available water resources from the project will be utilized to meet the drinking water requirements of the eastern sub-region of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan-Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Kulgaon-Badlapur, Ambernath, and approximately 359 villages in the surrounding areas. The project will significantly contribute towards strengthening the regional water supply infrastructure and ensuring long-term water security for the beneficiary areas.