FIELD WORK REPORT ON

GROUND WATER INFORMATION

GREATER MUMBAI DISTRICT
MAHARASHTRA
-Submitted by-
VAIBHAV VITTHAL KALE
Roll no. 9424
Division-D
Email:-vaibahavkale@gmail.com

-Guided By-
Shri.Dr. Sunil Gaikwad
Ms. Dr.. Ashalata Vidyasagar.

-Submitted to-
Sir Parashurambhau College
[AUTONOMOUS], Pune-30.

Academic Year 2020-2021

 - CERTIFICATE -

This is to certify that Mr. VAIBHAV VITTHAL KALE

has completed their field work project entitled ‘Ground
water information Greater Mumbai District’ for partial
fulfillment of B.Sc. Geography for Sir Parashurambhau
College during academic year 2020-2021.

This performance and the system are up to the mark and

we are satisfied with the same.

Ms.Dr. A. Vidyasagar. Mr.Dr.. Sunil Gaikwad.

Project Guide. Head of the Department.
 Chapter - 1

‘Introduction’
 1. Meaning and
Concept :- is the water present beneath Earth's
Groundwater
surface in rock and soil pore spaces and in the
fractures of rock formations. Groundwater is
recharged from the surface; it may discharge from the
surface naturally at springs and seeps, and can form
oases or wetlands.
Groundwater is also often withdrawn for agricultural,
municipal, and industrial use by constructing and
operating extraction wells. The study of the distribution
and movement of groundwater is hydrogeology, also
called groundwater hydrology.
2. Objectives of
1) To identify areas with high and low level
Research:-
of groundwater content in the district.
2) Synthesizing in a regional context, the hydrologic
information obtained from previous studies.
3) Quantifying the groundwater resources
from predevelopment to current conditions.
4) Developing modeling tools that can be used to assess
groundwater availability to help extrapolate
information to areas not specifically studied.
5) To develop new tools, strategies to increase the
groundwater level of the district.
6) To use the available water for various
purposes.

3.
Importance
 Groundwater is a very important natural resource and
has a significant role in the economy.
 It is the main source of water for irrigation and the
food industry.
 Groundwater is a reliable source of water for the
agriculture and can be used in a flexible
manner.
 Groundwater plays a number of very important
roles in our environment and in our economies.
 In the environment it supports rivers, lakes and
wetlands, especially through drier months when there
is little direct input from rainfall.
 The flow of groundwater into rivers as seepage
through the river bed, known as base flow, can be
essential to the health of wildlife and plants that live
in the water.

4.
Limitations
 Very few places has availability of extraction of
ground water.
 Lesser knowledge and awareness amongst
people.
 Lack of funding for ground water extraction.
 Unequal distribution of ground water.
 Lack of ground water project management.

Advantages

 Ground water does not evaporate.

 It is helpful in maintaining the water levels of
wells.
 Ground water provides moisture to large amount
of vegetation.
 There is relatively few chances of contamination
of ground water by human and animal waste.

Disadvantages

 Overdraft- Over-use, over-abstraction or

overdraft, can cause lowering of the water
table beyond the reach of existing wells.
 Subsidence- Subsidence occurs when too
much water is pumped out from
underground, deflating the space below the
above-surface, and thus causing the ground
to collapse.
 Sea water intrusion- Seawater intrusion is the
flow or presence of seawater into coastal
aquifers; it is a case of saltwater intrusion.
  Pollution- Contamination of ground water.
 Harmful traces in ground water- In many cases
ground water is heavily polluted with arsenic
or fluoride which is threatening to human as
well as for vegetation.

5.
Characteristics-
 Ground water has weak turbidity.
 It has a constant temperature and
chemical composition.
 It has almost overall absence of oxygen.
 Ground water has an extreme variation in
the
composition with the appearance of pollutants and
various contaminants.
 Ground water is often very pure
microbiologically.
6. Objectives of
study
 Analysis and results from surveys developed to
solicit input from interested parties.
 To use the information extracted for the
development
and adoption of desired future conditions,
management plans, rules, and formal procedures,
 Evaluation of desired future conditions, management
plans, rules, regional water plans, and the potential
for conflict.
 An assessment of the presence of anthropogenic
contaminants.
 Addressing potential pollution of the aquifer are
issues that should be addressed.
 Chapter-2

‘City Profile’
 City Profile of Greater Mumbai

Introduction

1. Physical Environment
1. Physical Description
Mumbai stakes its claim as the biggest metropolitan city in India in terms of population size and
economy it generates. Located in the western coast facing the Arabian Sea (Figure 1), the city,
which serves as an important seaport and trade hub, is also the financial nerve-centre of the
country. This capital city of the state of Maharashtra was once made up of seven small islands,
which over the centuries got connected through natural and man-made land reclamations. Today,
it is a narrow strip of island that abuts the coastal belt of Konkan,

Figure 1: Greater Mumbai Location Map

Sources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Census Info India 2001

1.1.2. Location
Mumbai is located in the western seaboard of India at coordinates 18.96° North 72.82° East. A
major part of Mumbai sits on the old island of Salsette which lies at the mouth of Ulhas River.
Usually, Mumbai is referred to as three different geographic entities: Mumbai City, Greater
Mumbai, and Mumbai Metropolitan Region (Figure 2). Mumbai City is the core of the old port
city of Mumbai during the colonial period. Since then, its territory has expanded northward to
cover the suburbs and extended suburbs. The Mumbai Island City plus the Mumbai Suburban
District comprise what is now called as Greater Mumbai. It is under the political administration
of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM, formerly
 City Profile of Greater Mumbai

Bombay Municipal Corporation or BMC). The Mumbai Metropolitan Region was formed to
create the urban agglomeration consisting of 7 Municipal Corporations and 13 Municipal
Councils. In addition to MCGM, it includes the Municipal Corporations of Navi Mumbai, Mira-
Bhayandar, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali, Bhiwandi-Nizampur and Ulhasnagar.

Figure 2: Greater Mumbai and Mumbai City District

The Maps show the composition of Greater Mumbai namely, Mumbai Suburban District and
Mumbai City (District).

Sources: ASTER GDEM, Google Earth, Praja.org, and EMI

1.1.3. Land Area

Greater Mumbai, the area under the administration of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
(BMC), spans a total area of 437.71 square kilometers (169 square miles). Mumbai Island City
located at the southern tip of Mumbai covers 67.79 square kilometers (26 square miles) of land
territory while the suburban district located north of the Island City covers 369 square kilometers
(142.47 square miles) of land. Greater Mumbai accounts for most of Mumbai's territory.
Mumbai, as an urban entity however, spans a bigger total area of 603.4 square kilometers (233
square miles) including some regions such as Defence lands, Mumbai Port Trust lands, and the
Borivali National Park area, which are outside the administrative jurisdiction of MCGM. The
bigger Mumbai Metropolitan Region covers an extensive area of about 4,355 square kilometers
(1,681 square miles). (Mumbai on the net, 2010)
 City Profile of Greater Mumbai

Table 1: Total Land Area

Units Administrative Coverage Land Area Land Area
(Sq. Km.) (Sq. Mi.)
Mumbai City (1) Mumbai Island City District only 68.71 26.53
Mumbai Suburbs and (2) Mumbai Suburban District only 369.00 142.47
Extended Suburbs
Greater Mumbai (Under (1) + (2) Mumbai City and Mumbai 437.71 169.00
MCGM) Suburban Districts

Greater Mumbai extends from Colaba in the

south to Mulund, Mankhurd, and Dahisar in the
north, and is under the jurisdiction of MCGM.
Greater Mumbai forms two districts of
Maharashtra, each under the jurisdiction of a
District Collector. The Collectors are in charge
of property records and revenue collection for
the Central Government, and oversee the
national elections held in the city.

Mumbai Urban Region (1) + (2) + (3) Mumbai City and Mumbai 603.40 233.00
Suburban Districts plus contiguous areas
outside the jurisdiction of MCGM Areas
(national parks, defence lands, Mumbai port
trust, etc.)
Mumbai Metropolitan (1) + (2) + (3) + (4) + (5) Greater Mumbai, 4,355.00 1,681.00
Region Urban Region plus (4) Thane District and
(5) Raigad District

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region consists of

7 Municipal Corporations and 13 Municipal
Councils. In addition to MCGM, it includes
the Municipal Corporations of Navi Mumbai,
Mira-Bhayandar, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali,
Bhiwandi-Nizampur and Ulhasnagar

4. Elevation
Many parts of the city lie just above sea level, with elevations ranging from 10 meters (33
feet) to 15 meters (49 feet). The city has an average elevation of 14 meters (46 feet). Northern
Mumbai (Salsette) has a hilly while the rest of the city is low lying and flat. The highest point in
the city is 450 meters (1,476 feet) located in Salsette north of Mumbai in the Powai-Kanheri
ranges. (Mumbai on the net, 2010)

5. Soil
The soil cover in the city is predominantly sandy due to its proximity to the sea. In the suburbs,
the soil cover is largely alluvial and loamy. The underlying rock of the region is composed of
black Deccan basalt flows, and their acidic and basic variants dating back to the late Cretaceous
and early Eocene eras. Mumbai sits on a seismically active zone owing to the presence of 23
fault lines in the vicinity. The area is classified as a Seismic Zone III region, which means an
earthquake of up to magnitude 6.5 on the Richter-scale.
 City Profile of Greater Mumbai

Figure 3: Lakes in Greater Mumbai

Sources: ASTER GDEM, Google Earth, Praja.org, and EMI

1.1.6. Bodies of Water

Three lakes are located within the metropolitan limits - the Tulsi Lake, Vihar Lake and the Powai
Lake (Figure 3). The first two are located within the Borivali National Park and supply part of
the city's drinking water. Other lakes that supply water to the city include Lower Vaitarna, Upper
Vaitarna and Tansa Lake. Mumbai also has three small rivers within the city limits -- the Dahisar
River, Poinsar (or Poisar) and Ohiwara (or Oshiwara), originating in the National Park. The
polluted Mithi River originates from Tulsi Lake and gathers water overflowing from Vihar and
Powai Lakes. The coastline of the city is indented with numerous creeks and bays stretching
from Thane creek on the eastern to Madh Marve on the western front. The eastern coast of
Salsette Island is covered with large mangrove swamps, rich in biodiversity, while the western
coast is mostly sandy and rocky.
 City Profile of Greater Mumbai

1.1.7. Climate
Mumbai has a tropical wet and dry climate under the Köppen climate classification. The city
does not experience distinct seasons, but the climate can broadly be classified into two main
seasons—the humid season and the dry season. Usually, the period between October to May is
relatively dry. The city gets southwest monsoon rains beginning June to end September with
peak rains occurring in July. Occasionally, northeast monsoon showers occur in October and
November. The maximum annual rainfall ever recorded was 3,452 millimeters (135.9 in) in
1954. The highest rainfall recorded in a single day was 944 millimeters (37.17 inches) on 26
July 2005. The average total annual rainfall is 146.6 millimeters (84.51 inches) in the
Island City, and 2,457 millimeters (96.73 inches) in the suburbs. (Mumbai on the net, 2010)

The average annual temperature is 27.2 °C (81.0 °F) and the average annual precipitation is
16.7 centimeters (85.31 inches). Figure 4 shows the historical average of monthly precipitation
and temperature in Mumbai. In the Island City, the average maximum temperature is 31.2 °C
(88.2 °F), while the average minimum temperature is 23.7 °C (74.7 °F). In the suburbs, the
daily mean maximum temperature range from 29.1 °C (84.4 °F) to 33.3 °C (91.9 °F), while the
daily mean minimum temperature ranges from 16.3 °C (61.3 °F) to 26.2 °C (79.2 °F). The
record high is 40.2 °C (104.4 °F) on 28 March 1982, and the record low is 7.4 °C (45.3 °F) on
27 January 1962. (Mumbai on the net, 2010)

Figure 4: Monthly Precipitation and Temperature in Mumbai

Source: Indian Meteorological Department at http://www.imd.ernet.in/section/climate/mumbai1.htm

 City Profile of Greater Mumbai

2. History of Mumbai
1. The Island Group
Greater Mumbai (BrihanMumbai), before it became known today as among the busiest and
populated cities in the world, was just an agglomeration of seven islands separated by shallow
sea during the Stone Age (Greater Bombay District Gazetteer, 1986). These seven islands in their
anglicized names were: Colaba and Little Colaba which was located in the present day Colaba
and Nariman Point, Bombay Island which was the backbone of the City of Mumbai,
Mozagaon and Parel which were located on the eastern strip, Worli on its western strip and
Mahim on the northwestern strip. In 150 AD, Ptolemy, a Greek geographer called this area
Heptanesia, meaning, cluster of seven islands (Da Cunha 1993). In the passage of time, these
hilly islands were later joined together by reclamation projects and further extended beyond their
respective island boundaries (Mumbai.org, 2009).

Figure 5: The Original Seven Islands of Mumbai City and Subsequent Physical Growth

Sources: ASTER GDEM, Google Earth, and EMI

 City Profile of Greater Mumbai

2. Pre-colonial Peroid
The early residents of these islands were fishermen known as Kolis. Their ancestors have a long
standing trade with ancient Egypt and Persia. They were later integrated to the Maurya Empire
in the third century BC under the Buddhist Emperor Ashoka of Magadha (Ring, Salkin
and Boda, 1994).

After the Maurya Empire, successive dynasties ruled Mumbai starting with the Shatavahana
dynasty (Ring, Salkin and Boda, 1994). This was the period when overseas trade with the
Southeast Asians and the Roman Empire grew significantly (Keay, 2000). In 1348, the islands
were under the possession of the leaders of Gujarat and later from 1391 to 1534 under the
supervision of the Gujarat Sultanate (Prinsep, Thomas & Henry 1858).

3. Dawn of the Colonial Period

In 1508, a group of Portuguese sailors led by Francisco de Almeida built a small fort in one of
the islands which they called Bon Bahia (Keay, 2000) or “fine bay” (Mumbai.org, 2009) or its
anglicized counterpart—Bombay. They later acquired the seven islands (Bombay included) and
other territories in 1534 through a treaty with the Gujarat Sultanate (Da Cunha 1993).

On May 11, 1661, the islands were handed over in dowry to Charles II, ruler of England,
Scotland and Ireland, as a dowry to his marriage with Catherine of Braganza, daughter of John
IV, King of Portugal (Miller 1991). This was part of a wider Anglo-Portuguese alliance against
their Dutch rivals (Keay, 2000). The British Crown transferred the administration of the islands
to the British East India Company in 1668 (Da Cunha 1993). Due to bureaucratic convenience,
Bombay was described as part of the County of Kent and leased for 10 British pounds (Keay,
2000).

4. Reclamation Project
The merging of seven islands into a single landmass would come in the later part of the British
rule. Travelling between the islands led to loses of life among commuters especially during the
monsoons. These circumstances paved the way for a series of reclamation activities (Mumbai
on the net, 2010). Early efforts in the eighteenth century were focused on filling small creeks
crossing the northern Flats of Bombay Island (Mumbai Pages, 2010). The first major civil
engineering project aimed at connecting the islands took root in 1782 amidst the rejection of the
plan from the Directors of the British East India Company (Duff 1921). Mr William Hornby
was the Governor then. Dubbed as the Hornby Vellard or embankment, the project, completed in
1784, allowed the reclamation of the Flats. It provided an additional 400 acres of land for the
extension of the crowded inner city (Mumbai Pages, 2010) by blocking the Worli creek and
preventing the low-lying areas of Bombay from being flooded at high tide (S. Dwivedi and R.
Mehrotra, 1995).

Several reclamation projects were initiated subsequently such as the causeway at Sion in
1802. It connected Bombay with Salsette (Thana District Gazetteer, 1984). However, the islands
were unified into one landmass only after the Colaba island was joined with Bombay in 1838
and the Causeway connecting Mahim and Bandra was completed in 1845 (Mumbai Pages,
2010). Reclamation continued almost till a century-and-half later as the area of Bombay
expanded in hundreds of acres of land. It was halted only by the Supreme Court in 1990 with the
setting up of Coastal Regulatory Zones (Mumbai Pages, 2010).
 City Profile of Greater Mumbai

1.2.5. Rise of Mass Transportation

Among the beneficiaries of the reclamation projects were the railway companies. In 1853, the
Great Indian Peninsular (GIP) Railway Company servicing Thane and Bombay was
inaugurated. Soon, the Bombay Baroda and Central Indian Railway Company (BB&CI) began
servicing in Bombay, linking it with other destinations. Tramways were also introduced in the
same period. (Mumbai Pages, 2010)

Figure 6: Mass Transportation in Mumbai

Today, mass transportation has been made possible in Mumbai through the reclamation projects.
It has enabled Mumbai Central Station to be one of the major hubs for travel to other parts
of the State and country.

Source: “Flickr: Siraj Fastrack” at http://www.flickr.com/photos/23727908@N04/4034237720/

1.2.6. Communication within the Continent and Overseas

Communication took a big leap forward in Bombay in the mid-19th century. The first telegraph
line was laid between Bombay and Calcutta in 1852. Within the next decade, additional lines
were completed, connecting Bombay not only with the rest of the country but also with Europe
and the Middle East. And in 1870, communication lines reached London through an underwater
cable. (Mumbai Pages, 2010)
 City Profile of Greater Mumbai

1.2.7. Water Supply System

In 1860, water was supplied to Bombay through pipelines (Figure 7) from the Tulsi and Vihar
lakes. With assured large reservoirs of water, open wells were sealed and banned since they were
potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This reform was met with superstitious opposition,
but was implemented nevertheless. Years later, the same wells provided non- potable water to
supplement the water supply from the lakes whenever monsoon failed to provide sufficient water
in their catchment areas. Alongside the water supply system, a good drainage system was also
constructed. (Mumbai on the net, 2010)

Figure 7: Water Pipes

Pipes like this carry water with a consumption of 3,900 million liters a day (2004 figure). As of
2004, Tulsi and Vihar lakes only provide 128 million liters a day (2004 figure).

Source: “Flickr: Shutter Butter” at http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutter_butter/2827137461/

1.2.8. Reverting of Control to the British Government

Amidst heavy infrastructural development at that time, the administration of India reverted from
the Company to the Crown due to accusations of mismanagement in the part of the Company
(Mumbai on the net, 2010). In 1858, the British Crown took control of India and the British
East India Company was finally dissolved in 1874 (www.indhistory.com)
 City Profile of Greater Mumbai

9. Economic Boom and the Creation of BMC, BEST and BPT

The economy rose significantly during the American Civil War. An offshoot was Bombay
became the world's chief cotton trading market (Greater Bombay District Gazetteer 1986). With
the opening of the Suez Canal, the creation of the Bombay Port Trust (BPT) became imperative.
Thus, the BPT, created in 1870, gave Bombay the status of being one of the largest seaports on
the Arabian Sea (www.indianexpress.com).

The economic boom and the shifting of administration led to the creation of two key institutions
in Bombay, namely, Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Bombay Electric Supply
and Transport (BEST). BMC was established in 1882, to provide a modern framework of
governance for the rapidly-growing city (Dwivedi and Mehrotra, 1995). And in 1888, the
Bombay Municipal Act, brought into force, vested the Crown with more powers to interfere in
civic matters (The Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act 1888). Today, Brihanmumbai Municipal
Corporation or the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) is one of the largest
local governments in the Asian continent. (www.mcgm.gov.in)).

10. Economic Down-turn Due to the Plague

Bombay’s commercial growth and expansion of land area witnessed tens of thousands of people
migrating to the city. This development was not without its pitfalls. Along with the urbanization
came the calamities. In 1896, an outbreak of bubonic plague killed an estimated 1,900 people
every week. 850,000 people -- more than the total population of 1891 – fled Bombay in panic.
Among the other fallouts was the decline and recession in the textile industry (Mumbai Pages,
2010). The killer plague was indirectly responsible for the creation of the Bombay City
Improvement Trust. The Trust came out with the first suburban plan to ease population
congestion (Greater Bombay District Gazetteer 1986,).

11. Landmarks
After the Victoria Terminus, Crawford Market and the Bombay High Court were built in the mid
to the late 19th century. The early 20th century Bombay saw the construction of other landmarks
in Mumbai such as the General Post Office, the Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) and the Gateway of India. The Gateway was used as the send-off
point of the remaining Crown officials during the independence in 1947. (Mumbai.org, 2010)

12. Independence
Before the country attained independence on August 15, 1947, Bombay witnessed the rise of the
Indian National Congress, the non-violent civil disobedience and Quit India campaigns. The
architect of these movements, Mahatma Gandhi, was its frequent visitor (Lonely planet, 2010).
Soon after independence, Bombay also witnessed a change in its territorial make-up. Bombay
was declared the capital of Bombay State. Three years later, the Greater Bombay District was
created as a merger of the Bombay Suburbs and the city of Bombay (www.
mumbaisuburban.gov.in). In 1960, there was a reorganization of the states. The Bombay State
was divided along linguistic lines into State of Gujarat and State of Maharashtra, with the latter
having Bombay as its capital (Keay, 2000). To plan and coordinate development not only with
Bombay, but also the rapidly growing neighboring local government units, the Bombay
Metropolitan Region Development Authority was established in 1975 under the auspices of the
State of Maharashtra (MMRDA, 2010). In 1995, Bombay was renamed Mumbai after the Koli
stone goddess Mumbadevi.

20 | P a g e
 City Profile of Greater Mumbai

1.2.13. Terrorism and Natural Calamities

The 21 century Greater Mumbai witnessed the phenomenon of terrorism. Terror attacks in 2002,
st

2003 and 2006 involved bombing of transport services and crowded areas. 2003 registered the
most number of attacks, while the July 2006 bombing had the most number of casualties. The
worst attacks took place between November 26-29, 2008, killing at least 166 people of 17
nationalities (www.latimes.com). The City’s historical landmarks too suffered damages.

Mumbai also bore the brunt of the worst flood (Figure 8) fury on 26 July 2005 when it was
lashed by a record 39 inches of rain within 24 hours, 25 inches in just 12 hours. The rain
water caused the sewerage system to overflow, resulting in the contamination of all water
lines (www.bbc.co.uk). Over 700 flights had to be cancelled or delayed due to heavy flooding
and poor visibility. The railway network stood paralyzed and telephony services were majorly
disrupted (mdmu.maharashtra.gov.in).

Figure 8: 2005 Flood

The 2005 flood wrecked havoc on the streets of Mumbai as pedestrians and commuters vie
for the remaining space that was not engulfed with much water.
Source: “Flickr: Sebastian fotos” at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mumbaiwalla/500651434/

21 | P a g e
Chapter- 3

‘Data’
 1808/DBR/2010

GROUND WATER
INFORMATION GREATER
MUMBAI DISTRICT
MAHARASHTRA
 Ground Water Information
Greater Mumbai District

1.0 Introduction
Greater Mumbai is located on the western most periphery of the Maharashtra State.
The city in the past (year 1885) was comprised of elongated shaped group of seven islands
viz., Bombay, Mazgaon, Matunga, Mahim, Worli, Soyster Rode and Old Woman’s island
which over the period of time, have been connected to main land by series of reclamation
measures such as filling of narrow creeks etc. The area of was further extended by adding
suburban areas in the north and along the border of Thane District. Location f the district
is shown in Fig 1.
The Mumbai city is known as financial capital of India. Due to continuous
expansion of infrastructural facilities, industries, and commercial units in the city, a wide
business and massive employment opportunities have been generated. Many people from
western Maharashtra, Konkan and other states came to Mumbai in search of employment.
Therefore continuous migration has resulted into over- crowding of the city.

The population of Greater Mumbai as per 2001 census is 11,914,398 which

includes population of city (3,326,837) and its suburb (8,587,561). It is the third most
populous city in the world after Tokyo and Sao Paulo. The population of city is projected to
be 20.5 million in year 2011A.D. It is observed that population has doubled every 20 years.

1
 Figure-1: Location

2.0 Climate and Rainfall

The climate of the district is characterized by an oppressive summer,
dampness in the atmosphere nearly throughout the year and heavy south – west
monsoon rainfall from June to September. The mean minimum temperature is 16.3°C
and the mean maximum temperature is 32.2°C a t Santacruze.
The normal annual rainfall over the district varies from about 1800 to about
2400 mm. It is minimum in the central part of the district around
Kurla (1804.9 mm). It gradually increases towards north and reaches a

2
 maximum around Santacruze (2382.0 mm).

3.0 Physiography and Soil Type

The broad physiographic feature of the district is broad and flat terrain
flanked by north – south trending hill ranges. The hill ranges form almost parallel
ridges in the eastern and western part of the area. The Powai – Kanheri hill ranges
are the other hills extending in the eastern and central part running NNE –
SSW. The maximum elevation of the area is 450 m above mean sea level (m amsl)
at some of the peaks of hill ranges. Trombay island has north – south running hills
with maximum elevation of 300 m above man sea level. Malbar, Colaba, Worli
and Pali hills are the isolated small ridges trending north – south in the western
part of the district. The Powai – Kanheri hills form the largest hilly terrain in the
central part of the Salsette island and are the feeder zone for the three lakes viz.,
Powai, Vihar and Tulsi. There are a number of creeks, dissecting the area. Among
them, Thane is the longest creek. Other major creeks are Manori, Malad and Mahim
which protrudes in the main land and give rise to mud flangs and swamps.
The area is drained by Mahim, Mithi, Dahisar and Polsar rivers.
These small rivers near the coast, form small rivulets which inter mingle
with each other resulting in swamps and mud flats in the low lying areas.
Two types of soils have been observed in the district viz., medium to deep
black and reddish soil.

1. Status of Water Supply

2. Availability of Water from Surface Water Sources:

The entire Greater Mumbai is an urban area. All the major surface water
reservoirs located in surrounding districts which are situated on major rivers, are
used for water supply. These rivers are the Vaitarna, the Ulhas, which originate in Konkan
region, and other rivers are the Patalganga and the Amba. Even though
 these rivers do not flow through Greater Mumbai but their basins form the major source of
surface water for Greater Mumbai as a whole for its domestic and industrial consumption.
The Mumbai Hydrometric Area (MHA) under Department of Irrigation, Government of
Maharashtra, comprises these four river basins. They have a total catchment area of 5756
Sq. Km. The total surface water potential of MHA is estimated to be 10439 Million Cubic
Meter (MCM) at 75% dependability and 7869 MCM at 90% dependability. The basin-wise
available surface water is given in table – 1.
Table1. Basin wise water Availability to Greater Mumbai

Sl. Basin Catchment Water Water Irrigation Water

No. (Sq. Km) availability Availability at requirement Available for
At 75% 90% dep. as planned Domestic &
dep. (MCM) (MCM) Industrial
(MCM) Supply
(MCM)
Vaitarna 1858 3130 2416 651 2416
1.

Ulhas 3205 6194 4881 1241 4881

2.

Patalganga 338 712 489 147 489

3.

Amba 365 403 283 146 257

4.

Total 5756 10439 7869 2157 7843

Water supply to Mumbai city is dependent on six lakes viz Tulsi, Vihar, Tansa, Upper
Vaiterna, Bhatsa and Mumbai III. The source wise water supply through lakes is given in
Table 2:
 Table 2. Water Supply Sources to Greater Mumbai City.
Sources Yield Percent
(MLD)
Tulsi 18 0.54
Vihar 110 3.28
Tansa 417 12.45
Upper Vaitarna 1025 30.60
Bhatsa 1650 49.25
Mumbai-III 150 4.48
Sub-total 3350 100
En-route supply 120 -3.58
Total water supply 3230 96.42

2. Ground Water Supply:

Ground water is not suitable for drinking purposes. In order to mitigate the risk of
epidemic, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Government of Maharashtra
(GoM) have banned the use of water from wells and ponds for domestic use. As a result,
the dug well based water supply is completely discouraged. However, the population
growth in the city is very high as compared to other parts of the country and to meet the
shortfall in water supply, ground water supply as a supplementary source has been used for
all purposes than domestic. Total 3950 dug wells and 2514 bore wells (BMC records) are
under operation for water supply purpose in the city. The aquifers in the district are of
limited areal extent and of limited thickness. Ground water is quite vulnerable to
contamination from sewage disposal and other human activities. The over pumping may
also lead to sea water ingress.

3. Future Water Supply:

The projected demand of water for Greater Mumbai for the year 2021 is
estimated to be 5355 Million Litre Per Day (MLD). To meet this additional
requirement of water, four water supply projects are under construction and by the
completion of these projects the total supply will rise to 5479 MLD. The sources identified
for augmentation of water supply are as below in Table 3.

Table 3: Identified Sources of Water Supply

Source of Sater River Water Supply Capacity
(Future Projects) (MLD)
Middle Vaitarna Vaitarna 455
Gargai Vaitarna 455
Pinjal Vaitarna 865
Kalu Ulhas 590
Shai Ulhas 1067

4.4. Demand of Water:

As per norms of Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering,
Ministry of Urban Development, the water supply for cities with population above
one lakh is 150-200 litres per capita per day (1pcd). For Greater Mumbai, the water is
being supplied @ 150 lpcd at present which may rise to 200 lpcd by 2011 and 225 lpcd by
2021. The total gross domestic and industrial requirement (taking norm as 150 lpcd) is
given in the Table 4.

Table 4. Gross Water Requirement for Greater Mumbai.

Sl. No. Type of use Water Water Water
Requirement Requirement Requirement
(MLD) (MLD) (MLD)
1991 2001 2011
1 Domestic 1489 2200 3080
.
2 Industrial 400 400 400
. Institutional
3 Other uses 38 54 69
.
4 En route 90 90 90
.
 Total (Net) 2017 2823 3819
Total (Gross) 2521 3529 4525

1. Ground Water Scenario

2. Hydrogeology
The entire district is underlain by basaltic lava flows of upper
Cretaceous to lower Eocene age. The shallow Alluvium formation of
Recent age also occurs as narrow stretch along the major rivers flowing in the area.
A map depicting the hydrogeological features is shown in Figure 2.
 Figure-2: Hydrogeology

1. Hard Rock Areas

1. Deccan Trap Basalt
The ‘Pahoehoe’ flows in the district consist of highly vesicular
layer having closely spaced horizontal joints but the thickness is generally
less. The vesicles are generally filled with secondary minerals and green earths. In
such cases, they do not serve as aquifer. However, such vesicular zones are
weathered in most part of the area, thus, making
them moderately permeable. But if, vesicles are not filled, they act as highly
permeable aquifers. The simple and compound “ Pahoehoe” f low comprises a
basal vesicular zone, middle relatively massive portion followed by a vesicular top.
The vesicles of “Pahoehoe” flows are generally not interconnected and thus there is
a variation in water holding capacity from the base to the top of the flow.
The ground water exists in fractures, joints, vesicles and in weathered zone
of Basalt. The occurrence and circulation of ground water is controlled by
vesicular unit of lava flows and through secondary porosity and permeability
developed due to weathering, jointing, fracturing etc., of Basalt. The ground water
occurs under phreatic, semi confined and confined conditions. The leaky confined
conditions are also observed in deeper aquifers. Generally the phreatic aquifer
range down to depth of 10 m bgl. The yields of the wells are the functions of
the permeability and transmissivity of aquifer encountered. This varies with
location, diameter and depth of wells. There are mainly two types of ground
water structures i.e. dugwells and borewells in the area. The yields of the

dugwells varies form 10 to 1000 m3/day, whereas that of borewells

ranges between 50 and 1000 m3/day tapping the promising aquifer in

the depth range of 40 to 60 m bgl. Even though the borewells drilled in the area
by both official and private agencies, are in large number, no adequate data regarding
areal extent of the aquifer is available. The borewells in low lying area are affected
by saline water where as in upland areas the quality is potable.
2. Loose Formation
1. Alluvium
River Alluvium patches along the course of rivers and Marine Alluvium in
the coastal area, form highly potential aquifer but with limited areal extent. The
ground water occurs under water table conditions in sandy / gritty layers. The
alluvial fill of low lying areas underlain by
weathered basalt has relatively better ground water potential.
5.2 Water Level Scenario
Central Ground Water Board periodically monitors 3 National Hydrograph
Network Stations (NHNS) in the district, four times a year
i.e. January, May (Premonsoon), August and November (Postmonsoon).
1. Depth to Water Level – Premonsoon (May-2011)
The premonsoon depth to water levels monitored during May 2011 ranges
between 2.67 m bgl and 4.25 m bgl. The depth to water levels during premonsoon
occurs in 2.0 to 5.0 m depth range.

2. Depth to Water Level – Postmonsoon (Nov.–2011)

The depth to water levels during postmonsoon (Nov. 2011) in major part
of the district ranges between 2 and 5 m bgl. The Shallow
water levels of < 2 m bgl are observed in small area in southern part of
the district.

3. Seasonal Water Level Fluctuation (May to Nov 2011)

Seasonal water level fluctuation between premonsoon and postmonsoon of
2011 have been computed and observed that seasonal it ranges from 0- 2.0m.
4. Water Level Trend (2001 – 2011)
Trend of water levels for premonsoon and postmonsoon periods for last ten
years (1998-2007) have been computed for 3 NHNS. Analysis of long term water
level trend data indicates rise of water levels in the range of 0.02 to 0.04 m/year
during premonsoon and rise in the range of 0.02 to
0.05 m/year during postmonsoon. This marginal rise in water level may be
due to leakages from water supply pipe lines.

5.3 Ground Water Quality

CGWB is monitoring the ground water quality of the Mumbai district since
the last four decades through its established monitoring wells. The
objectives behind the monitoring are to develop an overall picture of the ground
water quality of the district. During the year 2011, the Board has carried out the
ground water quality monitoring of 4 monitoring wells. These wells mainly consist of
the dug wells representing the shallow aquifer. The sampling of ground water from
these wells was carried out in the month of May 2011 (pre-monsoon period). The
water samples after collection were immediately subjected to the analysis of various
parameters in the Regional Chemical Laboratory of the Board at Nagpur. The
parameters analyzed, include pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Alkalinity (TA),
Total Hardness (TH), Nitrate (NO3) and Fluoride (F). The sample collection,
preservation, storage, transportation and analysis were carried out as per the standard
methods given in the manual of American Public Health Association for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater (APHA, 1998). The ground water quality data
thus generated was first checked for completeness and then the validation of data was
carried out using standard checks. Subsequently, the interpretation of data was carried
out to develop the overall picture of ground water quality in the district in the year
2011.
Suitability of Ground Water for Drinking Purpose
The suitability of ground water for drinking purpose is determined
keeping in view the effects of various chemical constituents in water on the
biological system of human being. Though many ions are very essential for the
growth of human, but when present in excess, have an adverse effect on human body.
The standards proposed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for drinking
water (IS-10500-91, Revised 2003) were used to decide the suitability of ground water.
The classification of ground water samples was carried out based on the desirable and
maximum permissible limits for the parameters viz., TH, NO3 and F prescribed in the
standards and is given in Table-5.
Table-5: Classification of Ground Water Samples for
Drinking based on BIS Drinking Water Standards (IS-10500-91,
Revised 2003)
Parameters DL MPL Samples with Samples with Samples
conc. < DL conc. in DL- with conc.
MPL >MPL

TH (mg/L) 300 600 4 - -

NO3 (mg/L) 45 No relaxation 4 - -
F (mg/L) 1.0 1.5 4 - -
(Here, DL- Desirable Limit, MPL- Maximum Permissible Limit)
The perusal of Table-5 shows that the concentrations of all the parameters are
the within the desirable limit of the BIS standards. It is also seen from the Table-5
that the potability of ground water in the wells is not much affected. Overall, it can be
concluded that the ground water quality in the wells monitored in the district is within
the BIS Standard condition.
The quality of ground water of deeper aquifer is brackish to slightly saline in
some localities such as Colaba, Dharavi, and Khar as observed from BMC data.
This may be due to ingress of sea water. In view of this it is suggested that the bore
wells drilled especially along the coastal areas should be pumped at the optimum
discharge, so that it does not result in sea water ingress.
5.4 Status of Ground Water Development
Ground water development depends on many factors viz., availability,
crop water requirement, socio-economic fabric and on the yield of the
aquifers existing in that area. Ground water in the district is predominantly used
for domestic, industrial and commercial purpose in the form tanker water supply to
the hotel industry, construction purpose etc. The ground water development in
the district is mostly through dugwells and borewells. The utilization of ground
water through borewells is more in the Andheri, Malad, Goregaon, Kandivili,
Bhandup, Kurla, Chembur and Ghatkoper areas. In addition to this, new borewells
are being drilled in every upcoming society/colony to partially cater to the domestic
requirements. Similarly new borewells are taken up in the industrial areas to cater to
their partial needs.
1. Ground Water Management Strategy
At present there is less significance of ground water development in the
district owing to the limited availability as compared to huge demands of large
population. The ground water development is quite low due to quality issues and low
yielding nature of aquifers etc.
2. Ground Water Development
The ground water is presently developed through dugwells and borewells.
The hydrogeological set-up and disposition of rock types show that availability of
ground water resources will be limited to ground water worthy areas mostly
located in Salsete island and limited areas of Bombay and Trombay islands.
About 500 to 800 wells can be

constructed if the yield of wells is considered to be 30 to 50 m3/day. In

these areas the ground water can be developed through dugwells and
borewells/tubewells. However the sites for borewell/ tubewells need to be selected
only after proper scientific investigation and they should only be used for drinking
water supply and not for industrial and commercial purposes. The promising and
productive aquifers exist in the depth range of 60 to 80 m bgl. In view of this, it is
expected that deeper aquifers can offer additional quantity of ground water especially
where borewells are high yielding. In the Alluvial areas, shallow dugwells of 5 to
10 m depth, whereas in Deccan Trap Basalt areas dugwells of 7 to 15 m depth
are the most feasible structures for ground water development. The ground water
quality also needs to be ascertained and the wells used for water supply should be
first checked for nitrate and other pollutants
Even though ground water is available in the area, more emphasis is
given on creating surface water reservoirs, rather than developing ground
water in a planned way. The conjunctive utilization of available surface and ground
water in a systematic and planned way will be the best solution for meeting
present and future demands of water.
2. Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge
 The artificial recharge structures feasible are recharge shafts/borewells,
whereas water conservation can be done through roof top rain water harvesting.
Existing dugwells/borewells can also be used for artificial recharge, however, the
source water should be properly filtered before being put in the wells. These sites
need to be located where the hydrogeological conditions are favourable, i.e., where
sufficient thickness of unsaturated/de-saturated aquifer exists and water levels
are more than 5 m deep. The postmonsoon depth to water level map and
premonsoon/postmonsoon water level trend map gives a good idea of areas
suitable for artificial recharge of ground water and such areas are limited in extent
and located in north central part of the district, where water levels are moderately
deep and falling water level trends are also observed. In other areas with shallow
water levels, roof top rain water harvesting is also feasible by storing rainwater in
storage tanks, thereby supplementing the main source of water.

7.0 Major Ground Water Problems and Issues

The pollution of ground water as well as surface water is the major
problem in the district. The creeks in the region have become the dumping
ground of sewage and industrial effluents. In addition to this, various industrial
effluents from oil refineries, reactors, fertilizers plants at Chembur have polluted the
sea water in eastern part and are hazardous to marine life.

The data of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) indicate

concentration of Mercury (Hg) m o r e than the prescribed limit of 1.90 ppm. The
alkali and dye industries are responsible for mercury pollution in the Thane creek.
The higher Arsenic (As) concentration of more than 2.00 ppm and slightly more is
observed in fishes from Thane and Chembur. The other heavy metals like Lead
(0.60 ppm), Cadmium (12.60 ppm) and Copper (8.84 ppm) are also reported from
creek water.

14
 Ground water exploitation for commercial purpose is carried out in entire
district and the water is extracted from existing dugwells and borewells, even new
borewells are also being drilled for this purpose. The ground water is used for
construction purposes, hotel industry and for domestic purpose of the housing
societies. Excessive ground water development in the beach and coastal areas can
lead to saline water intrusion as observed in some parts of Colaba, Dharavi and
Khar from BMC data.
Chapter- 4
8.0 Recommendations
1. The availability of ground water resources is limited to ground water
worthy areas mostly located in Salsette island and limited areas of Bombay
and Trombay islands. About 500 to 800 wells can be constructed if the yield
of wells is considered to be 30 to 50 m3/day.
2. In these areas the ground water can be developed through dugwells and
borewells/tubewells. However the sites for borewell/ tubewells need to be
selected only after proper scientific investigation and they should only be
used for drinking water supply and not for industrial and commercial
exploitation.
3. In the Alluvial areas shallow dugwells (5 to 10 m), whereas in Deccan
Trap Basalt areas dugwells (7 to 15 m) are the most feasible structures for
ground water development.
4. The conjunctive use of available su r f a ce and gr o u nd wa t e r in
systematic and planned way will be the best solution for meeting present and
future demands of water.
5. Ground water exploitation for commercial purpose needs to be

regulated as the ground water is extracted from existing dugwells and

borewells, even new borewells are also being drilled for this purpose leading to
saline water intrusion in beach and coastal areas.
6. The scope exists for constructing suitable artificial recharge
 structures like recharge shafts/borewells in some areas located in north
central part of the district . The existing dugwells/borewells can also be
used for artificial recharge, however, the source water should be properly
filtered before being put into the wells.
7. Roof top rain water harvesting is also storing
feasible by rainwater in storage tanks in areas levels,
with shallow water thereby supplementing the main source of
water. These

8. industries
There are cause pollution
thousands to ground units
of industrial waterofand even types.
various to surface water.
Besides this the city is heavily populated, at very high population density the
sanitation facility is quite inadequate which has given rise to nitrate
pollution in the district. The special studies in Chembur area revealed
presence of Cu, Cr, Ca, As, Hg in ground water which are extremely harmful.
In view of the above, it is imperative that a well detailed study should be
conducted demarcate the areas of safe drinking water.

Conclusions
As demand for water increases, water managers and planners need to look
widely for ways to improve water management and augment water supplies.
The Committee on Ground Water Recharge concludes that artificial recharge
can be one option in an integrated strategy to optimize total water resource
management, and it believes that with pretreatment, soil-aquifer treatment,
and posttreatment as appropriate for the source and site, impaired-quality
water can be used as a source for artificial recharge of ground water aquifers.