Mumbai’s civic administration is set to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools to enhance service delivery and accelerate key infrastructure works. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide on Friday, where officials outlined plans to streamline governance and fast-track pending projects.
As part of the initiative, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will develop an Integrated Law Management System (ILMS) to expedite ongoing legal cases. The move is expected to improve efficiency in handling litigation and reduce delays in project execution. Currently, citizens can lodge complaints through a WhatsApp chatbot, and authorities now plan to introduce a unified dashboard to simplify grievance redressal and ensure quicker responses.
In addition, the civic body intends to implement a 3D Geographic Information System (GIS) map of Mumbai. This tool will aid in better planning, monitoring, and execution of urban development projects by offering a detailed digital representation of the city’s infrastructure.
Water supply projects take priority
Soon after assuming office, Bhide directed officials to accelerate approvals for the proposed desalination plant at Manori. The facility is designed to process 200 million litres per day (MLD) of seawater into potable water, with plans to scale up capacity to 400 MLD in the future. The project is expected to significantly augment Mumbai’s daily water supply.
Bhide also instructed the sewage operations department to speed up work on the ongoing sewage treatment plant (STP) programme. Under this initiative, seven modern STPs are being developed with a combined recycling capacity of 2,464 MLD, which will further strengthen the city’s water resources.
Additionally, the commissioner emphasised the need to fast-track key water conveyance tunnel projects, including those between Amar Mahal and Trombay, and Kasheli to Mulund. These tunnels are aimed at improving water distribution efficiency while reducing leakages across the network.
With a focus on technology-driven governance and critical infrastructure upgrades, the BMC aims to enhance urban services and ensure a more reliable water supply for Mumbai’s growing population.
Source: The Indian Express
