The Business Line 17.07.2009
Rs 4,000 cr for dams, water systems for Mumbai
Our Bureau
Mumbai, July 16
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has earmarked an investment of Rs 4,000 crore to create dams and a water distribution system that will cater to far flung suburbs such as Mira-Bhayandar and Nalasopara as well as municipalities in Thane district. In effect, this will translate into 3,300 million litres a day (mld) by 2014.
Mr Ratnakar Gaikwad, Commissioner of MMRDA, told reporters here on Thursday that if the Mumbai metropolitan region had to develop, availability of water and power was a must.
It is with this in mind that the authority has decided to invest in four water projects in Thane and Raigad district.
The modalities of implementing the water distribution system are being worked out.
Mr Gaikwad said that the projects would be funded through a mix of debt and equity.
Investment
MMRDA will invest Rs 1,500 crore for the Shahi dam which will supply 940 mld.
The Poshir dam project would require Rs 1,258 crore for 920 mld of water while the Kalu dam would need Rs 1,373 crore for 1140 mld.
The MMRDA has already invested Rs 96 crore in the Surya dam for supplies of over 303 mld.
“If the metropolitan area has to develop, water and power are mandatory.
“And since we are developing a rental housing scheme in Virar, our water projects would be a boon to the area,” Mr Gaikwad said.
Power project
The MMRDA is also developing a gas-based power project with the help of the Indian Railways in Thakurli near Kalyan.
This was abandoned years ago when a fire broke out at the site.
This time around, the Railways could contribute more by way of equity since they own the land.
The project has received in-principle approval from the Railway Board and the quantum of power produced would depend on gas supply.
The power from the plant will be shared equally.
Innovation park
Mr Gaikwad said that MMRDA is also exploring the option of setting up an innovation park with the Italian Government.
It will be an incubation zone for nanotechnology and biotechnology.
This could then be exported for commercial use globally.
“Talks are at a preliminary stage and such parks could come up near Panvel or Lavasa.
The investment required would be about Rs 1,000 crore across 3,000 acres,” he said.
