Construction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) 418 million litres per day (MLD) sewage treatment plant in Dharavi has reached 76% completion, with the civic body aiming to finish the project by May 2027 and begin operations in July that year. The facility is expected to play an important role in curbing pollution in the Mithi River.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar recently visited the site to assess the progress of civil, mechanical and electrical works. His inspection covered treatment tanks, pumping stations, sewage channels and sludge-processing facilities.
Focus on Mithi River Pollution
Launched on July 5, 2022, under the Mumbai Sewerage Project, the facility is being developed as a multi-level structure due to space constraints. Underground tunnels will carry sewage currently entering the Mithi River from Bapat Nala and Safed Pool to the Dharavi plant. Around 168 MLD of this wastewater is expected to be collected and treated.
The facility will use Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology. Its total treatment capacity will be 418 MLD, including primary and secondary processing for the entire volume and additional tertiary treatment for 209 MLD. Sludge will be treated to Class A standards, while biogas generated during processing will be used to produce electricity.
Major Components Near Completion
Of the 10 units forming the liquid treatment line, work is progressing across the facility. The trash rack installation is complete, while the influent pumping station is 75% finished and is expected to become operational in December 2026. The SBR unit is 99% complete, and construction of the air blower building has also been finished.
The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority has approved the double tunnel and receiving shaft. Disposal of treated water will follow recommendations from the National Institute of Oceanography.
Construction Milestones
Bangar instructed officials to complete the double tunnel’s launching shaft by November-end 2026, alongside protective walls and internal roads. Rehabilitation of structures affected by construction was also emphasised. The secondary treatment liquid line is targeted for completion by February 2027.
Around 688 workers are currently deployed at the site. Once operational, the plant is expected to expand Mumbai’s sewage-treatment capacity and reduce untreated wastewater entering the Mithi River.
Source: Mumbai Live
