Navi Mumbai Update: Morbe Dam Reaches Full Capacity, Gates Opened; Raigad Villages Put on Flood Alert

Navi Mumbai | August 20, 2025 : Heavy rainfall over the past six days in the catchment areas of Morbe Dam has led to the reservoir reaching 100% storage capacity, prompting authorities to open its gates early Wednesday morning. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) confirmed that the dam reached its full reservoir level of 88 metres, ensuring uninterrupted drinking water supply for the city for the rest of the year.

At 3:10 a.m., both curved gates of the dam — each measuring 12 metres by 3 metres — were raised by 25 centimetres, releasing approximately 1,123 cusecs of water into the Dhavari river.

In response, the Raigad District Administration has issued a precautionary flood alert for multiple riverside villages, including Chowk, Jambhivli, Asare, Dharani, Tupgaon, Asaroti, and Kopri, which lie along the Dhavari river. Additionally, settlements near the Patalganga river have also been warned.

"Residents must not enter or approach the riverbed, as rising water levels can pose a serious danger," warned officials. Last year, Morbe Dam had overflowed on August 29, nine days later than this year, showing a significant increase in rainfall volume this monsoon.

Speaking on the development, Dr. Kailas Shinde, Commissioner of NMMC, said, "The dam’s full capacity guarantees 450 MLD (Million Litres per Day) of water, securing Navi Mumbai’s water needs for the entire year. We’re in a very comfortable position."

Raigad Collector Kishan Jawale added, "Although the water release is controlled, people in low-lying areas along the Dhavari and Patalganga rivers must stay alert. Disaster management teams have been deployed, and local authorities are ready with evacuation plans if the situation worsens."

Residents are advised to stay updated via official channels and avoid sharing or believing unverified information.