Morbe Dam Pipeline Leak Disrupts Water Supply in Navi Mumbai, Evening Distribution at Reduced Pressure

Navi Mumbai:
A sudden leak in a major water pipeline supplying water from Morbe Dam led to a temporary disruption of water supply across several parts of Navi Mumbai on Thursday, forcing the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to shut down operations at the Bhokarpada Water Treatment Plant for emergency repairs. The incident affected water distribution in NMMC-administered areas as well as CIDCO-managed nodes such as Kharghar and Kamothe, with residents experiencing reduced water pressure during the evening supply.

Emergency Shutdown of Bhokarpada Water Treatment Plant

According to officials, the leakage occurred in the 2050-mm diameter main pipeline that carries raw water from Morbe Dam to the Bhokarpada Water Treatment Plant. Once the issue was detected near the treatment facility, civic authorities immediately initiated emergency repair measures to prevent further damage and ensure safety of the infrastructure.

As part of the repair process, the Bhokarpada plant machinery was shut down between 11.30 am and 4.00 pm. NMMC officials estimated that the minimum time required to complete the repairs was approximately four-and-a-half hours. The temporary shutdown directly impacted the volume and pressure of water supplied to the city later in the day.

Impact on Water Supply Across Key Areas

Due to the halt in treatment and transmission, the evening water supply on Thursday was provided at low pressure and in limited quantity. Areas under the jurisdiction of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, along with CIDCO-managed localities such as Kharghar and Kamothe, were affected by the reduced supply.

Civic authorities clarified that while the disruption would be felt during the evening hours, the situation was expected to stabilise quickly once repairs were completed. The NMMC stated that the morning water supply on Friday would resume as per the regular schedule, provided the repair work was completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Civic Appeal for Water Conservation

In view of the temporary disruption, the NMMC appealed to residents to cooperate with the municipal administration by using water judiciously. The civic body urged citizens to avoid wastage and conserve water until the normal supply is fully restored.

“Due to an unexpected leakage in the main pipeline, emergency repairs are underway. Citizens are requested to conserve water and cooperate with the municipal administration,” said the Additional City Engineer (Civil) of the NMMC, emphasising the need for public support during the repair period.

Repair Work Monitored on Priority Basis

Civic officials said repair teams were deployed immediately after the leakage was identified and that the work was taken up on a war footing. Senior engineers and technical staff were tasked with closely monitoring the repair process to ensure that water supply could be restored within the estimated time and without further complications.

Officials also noted that swift action was necessary given the critical nature of the pipeline, which plays a central role in supplying water to large parts of Navi Mumbai. Any prolonged disruption could have led to wider inconvenience for households and commercial establishments across the region.

Importance of the Morbe Dam Supply Line

The Morbe Dam is one of the key water sources for Navi Mumbai, and the main pipeline connecting it to the Bhokarpada Water Treatment Plant is a vital component of the city’s water infrastructure. A fault in this system can have immediate and widespread effects, underscoring the importance of timely maintenance and rapid response to emergencies.

While leaks of this nature are not frequent, civic authorities acknowledged that ageing infrastructure and operational stress can sometimes result in unexpected issues. The NMMC reiterated its commitment to maintaining essential services and responding promptly to infrastructure-related emergencies.

What Happens Next

With repair work nearing completion, the NMMC expects water supply to normalise from Friday morning as per the regular distribution schedule. Officials will continue to monitor the pipeline and treatment plant operations to ensure there are no residual issues and that pressure levels return to normal across all affected areas.

Residents have been advised to remain cautious with water usage until full restoration is confirmed and to stay alert to any further updates issued by the civic body. The NMMC said it would inform citizens promptly if there were any changes to the expected restoration timeline.