Barvi Dam water storage drops to 26 percent raising supply concerns in Thane district

On July 5, 2026, water storage at the Barvi Dam near Badlapur in Thane district remained critically low at 26.35 percent, raising serious concerns of water shortages for Mira-Bhayandar and several other cities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Despite heavy monsoon showers over the preceding days, the reservoir's storage stood at less than half of what was recorded on the same day last year.

The Barvi Dam serves as a vital resource for the region, acting as the primary source of drinking water for the twin-city of Mira-Bhayandar. The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) receives a substantial portion of its municipal water supply directly from this reservoir.

Beyond Mira-Bhayandar, the dam is a major supplier of drinking water to several other densely populated areas in Thane district and the wider metropolitan area. These include Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali, Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi, and parts of Navi Mumbai. The low water levels have sparked concern among residents and local administrators across these municipal jurisdictions.

While heavy rainfall over the days leading up to July 5, 2026, successfully improved water levels in other reservoirs across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Barvi Dam has not recovered at the same pace. The recent downpours only managed to improve the water levels slightly, leaving the overall storage far behind last year's levels.

The current storage of 26.35 percent has heightened worries about potential water scarcity in the coming months if the catchment areas do not receive more sustained and heavy rainfall. Local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely as the monsoon season progresses.