Over a decade after its proposal, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken the first step toward constructing the Gargai dam, which will increase Mumbai’s annual water supply by 440 million litres.

The civic body has floated tenders for the Rs 3,000-crore project, covering dam construction and environmental clearances. The project spans approx. 2,100 acres in Wada taluka of Palghar district and will submerge two villages—Ogda and Khodade, while land from four additional villages will be acquired to free the catchment area, aligning it with the Tansa wildlife sanctuary. Around 619 families will be resettled on 400 hectares near Devli.

To support tribal lifestyles, affected villagers will build their own homes with pigeon coops, cow sheds, and backyards in traditional style, with financial support from the BMC. Villagers are also entitled to 2.5 hectares of forest land for cultivation and one government job per family. “