July 23, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reported 36% average progress in the construction of seven sewage treatment plants (STPs) across Mumbai, aimed at significantly reducing wastewater discharge into natural water bodies. The civic body plans to begin phased commissioning of these facilities within the next year.
The STPs are being built under a Rs 30,000 crore initiative launched in 2022 to treat up to 2,464 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater. These plants are coming up at Worli, Dharavi, Bandra, Versova, Ghatkopar, Bhandup, and Malad. Of the seven, six involve the revamp of existing infrastructure, while the Dharavi facility is being constructed from scratch.
According to BMC, Mumbai generates around 3,040 MLD of sewage daily from its total daily water consumption of 3,850 MLD. The new STPs will help treat this sewage more efficiently and recycle it for non-potable use.
Among all sites, the Bhandup plant has recorded the highest construction progress at 51%, followed by Ghatkopar (42%), Bandra and Worli (34% each), Dharavi (33.7%), Versova (32%), and Malad (28%). The Ghatkopar, Bhandup, and Versova plants are expected to be operational by 2026, followed by Worli, Bandra, and Dharavi in 2027, and Malad by 2028.
“While initially we earmarked 50% of the total quantum for recycled usage. However, gradually this quantum will be expanded, and we will try to reduce the quantity of water that is being discharged to creeks and natural water bodies,” said an official.
The BMC has already received interest from industrial and petroleum companies looking to purchase tertiary treated water. This will reduce dependence on potable water for commercial use and help control water pollution. The move follows a Rs 29.75 crore penalty imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on BMC for earlier sewage violations.
Source: The Indian Express
