The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for constructing a new dam near Khandala to support 71 villages along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

The 186 sq km zone was previously under the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA). Now, under MSRDC's Special Planning Authority, the region is undergoing rapid infrastructure planning.

Given the unreliable water supply from nearby sources like Morbe Dam and the Patalganga River, the new reservoir is intended to support future residential and industrial development.

The project area falls within the Western Ghats biogeographic zone, making ecological planning critical. MSRDC will appoint a consultant to manage the DPR, bidding, and execution support.

This will be the fifth dam in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in recent years, after Middle Vaitarna, Surya, Gargai, and Pinjal.