The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is accelerating work on the third package of the Mithi River rejuvenation project, targeting completion of the Kurla-Mahim stretch by December 2029. The ₹1,800-crore package is designed to address two persistent challenges along the river corridor — flooding caused by tidal backflow and untreated sewage entering the waterway.
The project covers the section between the CST Road bridge in Kurla and Mahim Causeway and involves a combination of flood-control infrastructure, sewage diversion and riverbank improvements.
18 Gate-Pump Systems Planned
A major component will be the installation of 18 gate-pump systems at strategic locations along the river. These gates are intended to prevent tidal water from flowing back into the river and nearby drainage networks, while pumps will help remove excess water during heavy rainfall.
“When water enters the Mithi River during high tide, it cannot be discharged because of the tidal impact. To prevent this, gate pumps will be installed at 18 locations, including locations such as Moon Furniture, Kalpana Talkies and the ONGC nallah,” said Bangar.
The system is expected to help protect low-lying areas around Kurla and LBS Marg.
“From Teacher’s Colony to the Drive-in Theatre, gate pumps will be installed, and the surrounding areas will be protected from flooding,” Bangar added.
Sewage Interception Forms Second Key Focus
The package will also target sewage pollution. According to the BMC, approximately 309 million litres of sewage enters the Mithi every day.
Instead of allowing sewage from surrounding nullahs and outfalls to flow directly into the river, interception systems will capture the discharge and divert it into the municipal sewer network for treatment.
The works will include sewer lines, a major sewage pumping station, retaining walls and service roads along sections of the river. Retaining structures are intended to strengthen the riverbanks, while service roads will provide access for maintenance and future operations.
Rehabilitation Could Determine 2029 Deadline
One of the biggest challenges will be relocating and rehabilitating at least 2,000 families likely to be affected by the construction. The project will impact areas in Dharavi and Kurla, across the K East, L and H East civic wards.
“While the project document states December 31, 2031 for completion, the deadline for completing the project is three years, by December, 2029. However, at least 2,000 families in areas such as Dharavi and the Kurla slums will be affected, and their rehabilitation will take time,” Bangar said.
The civic body is conducting surveys to identify eligible residents requiring rehabilitation. Separate surveys are being undertaken at proposed pump locations to assess water inflows and determine appropriate pumping capacity.
Beyond River Cleaning
Officials said the project is intended to create an integrated flood and pollution-control system rather than simply improve the river’s appearance.
“’Its objective is to create a system in which sewage is intercepted before it reaches the river, tidal water is prevented from backing up into the drainage network, excess rainwater can be pumped out, and the riverbanks are strengthened,’ added Bangar.”
The package was awarded to an Adani Group-led consortium late last year. Its success will depend heavily on completing rehabilitation alongside the engineering works.
For Mumbai, the project could represent a major upgrade to flood resilience and waterway management across Kurla, Dharavi and Mahim, provided the civic body can execute its multiple components within the targeted 2029 timeline.
Source: Hindustan Times
