CM Devendra Fadnavis Sets May 2029 Target for Gargai Dam Project
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed officials to expedite work on the Gargai Dam project in Palghar district, setting a target to make the project operational by May 2029. Speaking at a review meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, Fadnavis stated that the dam will augment Mumbai's water supply and strengthen the long-term water security of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The project carries an estimated contract cost of ₹3,065 crore. This sum covers the construction of the main dam, a water tunnel, 22 infrastructure facilities required for rehabilitation, and a power generation unit. Expenses related to land acquisition, rehabilitation, compensatory afforestation, the net present value of forest land, and consultancy services will be incurred separately from the primary contract cost.
The Gargai Dam project will affect approximately 844 hectares of land, comprising 186 hectares of private land and 658 hectares of forest land. The total submergence area is estimated at 805 hectares. The project will lead to two villages, Ogda and Khodde, being completely affected, while five other villages—including Pachghar, Tilmal, Phansgaon, and Amle—will be partially affected.
To address the loss of forest land, around 1,400 hectares of land will be made available for rehabilitation. In addition, land in various districts across the state is being provided to the Forest Department for compensatory afforestation to replace the affected forest area.
Several mandatory approvals have already been secured for the project. Clearances have been obtained from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the National Seismic Design Standards Committee, alongside technical approvals for project design and environmental clearances. The process to secure approval from the National Board for Wildlife is currently underway.
Chief Minister Fadnavis directed officials to accelerate all construction, rehabilitation, and afforestation activities, giving special attention to environmental mitigation and proper rehabilitation measures.
