The Maharashtra government has granted final approval for diverting 4.9 hectares of forest land in Mokhada, Palghar, enabling the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to begin its first municipal hybrid renewable energy project at the Middle Vaitarna reservoir.

The project, on hold for over five years, will combine 20 MW hydroelectric and 80 MW floating solar power generation, producing around 208 million units annually and saving the civic body Rs 12.6 crore per year at the Pise-Panjrapur water treatment plant. Implemented on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) model, it will require no capital expenditure from the BMC.

Awarded in 2021 to a joint venture between Shapoorji Pallonji & Co and Mahalaxmi Konal Urja, the project’s first phase includes the 20 MW hydro unit and 6.5 MW (AC) floating solar installation. Power will be transmitted via Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company’s network, with a new 13-km link to Igatpuri. This initiative is India’s first large-scale municipal hybrid energy project, potentially setting a benchmark for integrating renewable generation into water infrastructure.