In a major relief for Mumbai's water supply infrastructure, the long-awaited Gargai Dam project by the BMC has finally received crucial wildlife and environmental clearances. The approval was granted during the 24th meeting of the Maharashtra State Wildlife Board held at the state secretariat.

The ₹5,000-crore dam, planned in Palghar’s Wada region, promises to provide an additional 440 million litres of water daily to the parched city.

With Mumbai battling a daily water shortfall of 600 million litres, the long-delayed Gargai Dam project is finally gaining traction. First proposed in 2012, the project had been stuck in limbo until now. The officials are directed to fast-track all clearances, calling for a “flawless” proposal to be submitted to the National Wildlife Board to ensure timely execution.

The ₹5,000 crore project is expected to add 440 million litres per day to Mumbai’s water supply, much needed for a city that hasn’t seen a major water project since the Middle Vaitarna Dam in 2014. Once all permissions are in place, officials say construction will take about four years. However, it comes with its share of challenges; around 844 hectares of land will be affected, along with the rehabilitation of 619 families.

The recent green signal for wildlife and environmental clearances is being seen as a breakthrough, signalling not just progress for Mumbai’s water future but also a renewed political will to modernise infrastructure while balancing ecological concerns. Additional approvals were also granted for other projects in sensitive zones, such as a floating solar plant in the Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary and land acquisition mitigation in Chandoli National Park.