Uran taluka is on the brink of a severe water crisis as its water sources struggle to keep pace with accelerating industrialization and urban expansion. Currently, the region relies primarily on the Ransai Dam, managed by MIDC, and the Punade Dam, overseen by the Water Resources Department. However, with daily water demand surging to 50–60 MLD, these reservoirs are proving grossly insufficient. Experts and local representatives are now urging immediate action to expand storage capacity and avert a critical shortage.
The Ransai Dam holds 10 MCM, while the Punade Dam has a meager 1.75 MCM capacity—enough to sustain Uran for only three to four months if these were its sole sources. Consequently, the taluka heavily depends on additional supply from CIDCO’s Hetawane Dam and MJP’s Barvi Dam to meet its growing needs.
Uran’s rapid expansion is driven by major industrial projects, including ONGC, JNPT, BPCL, and large warehouses tied to JNPT’s growth. This boom has created thousands of jobs, drawing an influx of people and accelerating urbanization. However, this rapid development has intensified water shortages. Despite a rising population, the region’s water infrastructure remains unchanged, forcing residents to rely on neighboring talukas for daily needs.
Exacerbating the crisis is Uran’s improved connectivity with Mumbai. The introduction of local train services last year and the opening of the Nhava-Shivdi Atal Setu have fueled migration, further straining water supply. With urbanization continuing at a breakneck pace, demand is expected to rise even further.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, local MLA Mahesh Baldi has called for decisive action to expand Uran’s water resources. The issue is set to be a key focus of the upcoming Uran General Assembly meeting—the first such meeting in seven years.
