For years, the residents of Vasai-Virar have faced recurring issues with their daily water supply. As the city’s population continued to grow, the need for a stronger and more consistent water source became increasingly urgent. Now, there’s finally some good news on the horizon.
The municipal corporation of Vasai-Virar has been working on a long-term solution to ensure sufficient water supply for its residents. One of the key components of this plan is the development of two new dams: Kholsapada-1 and Kholsapada-2. Among these, Kholsapada-2 has already seen major progress, with 80% of the construction work now complete. Once the remaining work is done, the city is expected to receive an additional 22 million litres of water daily.
Rapid Urban Growth, Rising Demands
Over the past several years, Vasai-Virar has transformed from a semi-urban locality into a bustling city. With that transformation has come a dramatic increase in population, infrastructure, and demand for basic necessities — especially water.
At present, the city gets its water from three dams: Kawadas, Usgaon, and Pelhar. It also benefits from the Surya Water Supply Scheme managed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). In total, around 400 million litres of water are supplied daily to Vasai-Virar. However, according to officials, this is not enough.
“Due to a combination of population growth and water loss from leakage and aging infrastructure, many areas of the city face water shortages on a regular basis,” said Anilkumar Pawar, the Municipal Commissioner of Vasai-Virar.
Kholsapada-2: A Much-Needed Project
The Kholsapada-2 dam was first proposed in 2018, and while initial approvals were given that year, the project faced several delays. Much of this had to do with waiting for clearance from the Forest Department and navigating other bureaucratic challenges. But with persistent efforts from the municipal authorities, these obstacles were eventually cleared, allowing the work to move forward.
Today, the project is nearing completion. Constructed at a cost of ₹135 crore, the dam will soon be able to deliver 22 million litres of water every day to the residents of Vasai-Virar.
“The work on Kholsapada-2 has made steady progress, and now only 20% of the work remains,” confirmed Mr. Pawar. “We are currently working on raising the height of the dam to increase its capacity even further.”
Planning for the Future: Kholsapada-1 and Beyond
The city’s long-term vision doesn’t end with Kholsapada-2. Officials have also submitted a proposal for the Kholsapada-1 dam project. With a budget proposal of ₹290 crore, this dam is expected to supply an additional 48 million litres of water daily. The plan has been sent to the state government, and once it’s approved, work will begin.
Municipal officials have pointed out that Vasai-Virar’s population could reach up to 5 million in the coming years. Keeping that in mind, careful planning and timely execution of these water projects have become critical.
The Water Supply Department of the Municipal Corporation has stated that once Kholsapada-1 is approved, the construction work will be taken up immediately.
Deharji Dam Also in the Pipeline
Another important project under consideration is the Deharji dam. This project, once completed, is expected to provide 190 million litres of water per day. Though the timeline for its completion stretches until 2032, the plan has already been set in motion, with work progressing gradually.
Together, Kholsapada-1, Kholsapada-2, and Deharji dams form a major step forward in resolving the water crisis of Vasai-Virar. The additional water these dams will bring into the city’s supply system is expected to significantly reduce shortages and improve daily life for residents.
Constant Monitoring and Review
Commissioner Pawar assured that the municipality is closely monitoring the progress of each project. Whether it’s Kholsapada or Deharji, the focus is on ensuring timely completion. Regular reviews are conducted to avoid delays, and authorities are also working on improving the efficiency of water delivery and reducing leakages in the existing supply network.
“The goal is to not only bring more water to the city but also to use it wisely,” Mr. Pawar emphasized. “We are committed to improving the water infrastructure and making sure no part of the city is left behind.”
A Brighter Future Ahead
Water is a basic necessity, and ensuring its availability is one of the core responsibilities of any civic body. With the current projects under development, Vasai-Virar seems to be on the right track.
The progress at Kholsapada-2 offers a glimmer of hope for lakhs of residents who have dealt with low water pressure, supply cuts, and long waiting times for tankers. While challenges remain, the city’s determination to solve its water crisis is clear.
As the dam nears completion and planning continues for other projects, the people of Vasai-Virar can look forward to a future where water worries may finally be a thing of the past.
