Mumbai: BMC unveils plan to boost water infrastructure and sewage treatment

Rs 2,400 crore has been proposed for water supply projects in 2024-25. Representation pic

Though the tender process is underway for the ambitious desalination project at Manori, the BMC has allocated just Rs 350 crore in the next budget for the Rs 3,520 crore project. Additionally, Rs 2,400 crore has been proposed for water supply projects in 2024-25.

The BMC aims to construct a 200 MLD desalination plant at Manori, expandable to 400 MLD in future, to augment Mumbai's water supply. The detailed project report (DPR) will be completed by September, with the tender issued based on international competitive bidding. A budget provision of Rs 350 crore has been proposed for this endeavour.

The BMC also plans to construct a water conveyance tunnel from Kasheli to Mulund with enhanced capacity. The tender invitation for the Kasheli to Mulund tunnel is currently in progress, with a proposed budget provision of Rs 350 crore.

Ongoing projects include the development of a 2,000 MLD water treatment plant at the Bhandup complex to replace the 1,910 MLD plant. The tender has been issued, with a proposed provision of Rs 360 crore.

The long-pending water supply tunnel from Amar Mahal (Chembur) to Trombay Reservoir (5.50 km) is 83 per cent complete and expected to be finished by September 2025. Tunnels from Wadala to Parel and from Powai to Ghatkopar are under construction. The BMC has allocated up to Rs 600 crore for these projects.

Sewage treatment will get a boost with the BMC planning to start all seven plants under the Mumbai Sewage Disposal Project (MSDP) in 2023-24. While R3,592 crore was allocated for this project, only 50 per cent of the funds have been utilised thus far. The BMC has earmarked Rs 5,045 crore for the project in the upcoming year.

Under MSDP-II, the BMC is undertaking the construction and upgrading of seven sewage treatment plants (STPs) at Worli, Bandra, Dharavi, Versova, Malad, Ghatkopar, and Bhandup to treat 2,464 million litres of sewage daily. Despite contracts being awarded and funds allocated, minimal expenses have been incurred over the last 10 months.